Musicianship, Basic (Certificate)

DOMESTIC APPLICATIONS

Fall 2025: Apply Now!

Overview

Develop your musical knowledge and skills with the Certificate in Basic Musicianship. If you have an interest in music but little or no formal training, then this program is ideal for you. You can also use it to upgrade your existing music skills to prepare for the Music Diploma program at Douglas.

Through individual lessons, choral and instrumental ensemble work, and musical theory, you’ll deepen your understanding of music and prepare for a rewarding career. Audition for one of Douglas’s esteemed performance groups and get live performing experience through concerts, recordings and festival appearances.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants must meet the admission requirements listed below:

General College Admission Requirements (excluding Language Proficiency Requirement)
Course Placement Interview: students will meet with the program coordinator or designated music faculty member to discuss their music background and goals, and complete music literacy and musicianship assessments for course placement purposes.

Program Requirements

Curriculum Framework

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing By Summer 2023:

Successful completion of 30 credits minimum
50% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

Graduation Requirements For Students Completing After Summer 2023:

Successful completion of 30 credits minimum
50% (15 credits) of all coursework must be completed at Douglas College
Graduate in Good Academic Standing (Cumulative GPA of 1.50 – See Academic Performance Policy)
Time limit to complete program graduation requirements: four (4) years

Course Requirements:

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
SEMESTER I Select one music theory course from the following two options:
MUSC 1101	Materials of Music I	3.00
MUSC 1102	Basic Theory I	3.00
Select one aural skills course from the following two options:
MUSC 1104	Aural and Sight Singing Skills I	3.00
MUSC 1103	Basic Aural and Sight Singing Skills I	3.00
Select one ensemble course from the following two options:
MUSC 1135	Beginning Instrumental Ensemble I	1.50
MUSC 1145	Beginning Choral Ensemble I	1.50
Select one individual lesson course from the following two options:
MUSC 1155	Individual Lesson - Basic (1hr - piano) I	3.00
MUSC 1156 and MUSC 1106	Individual Lesson - Basic (1/2hr) I, and Introductory Class Piano I	2.00 2.00
Music Appreciation course:
MUSC 1121	Listening in Context I	3.00
Total Credits Semester I		13.50 - 14.50
SEMESTER II Select one music theory course from the following two options:
MUSC 1201	Materials of Music II	3.00
MUSC 1202	Basic Theory II	3.00
Select one aural skills course from the following two options:
MUSC 1204	Aural and Sight Singing Skills II	3.00
MUSC 1203	Basic Aural and Sight Singing Skills II	3.00
Select one ensemble course from the following two options:
MUSC 1235	Beginning Instrumental Ensemble II	1.50
MUSC 1245	Beginning Choral Ensemble II	1.50
Select one individual lesson course from the following two options:
MUSC 1255	Individual Lesson - Basic (1hr - piano) II	3.00
MUSC 1256 and MUSC 1206	Individual Lesson - Basic (1/2hr) II, and Introductory Class Piano II	2.00 2.00
Required Courses:
MUSC 1221	Listening in Context II	3.00
Elective	Any music or non-music course for which the student is eligible. The following are recommended electives: MUSC 1182 - Introduction to Music Technology or PEFA 3136 - Introduction to Popular Music or PEFA 3236 - World Music	3.00
Total Credits Semester II		16.50 - 17.50
Total Credits		30.00 - 32.00

Notes Regarding Music Requirements:

The music theory and aural skills courses are streamed; MUSC 1101 and MUSC 1104 move through curriculum at a faster pace and in more depth than MUSC 1102 and MUSC 1103. Course recommendations are made during the intake interview.
All students in this program will register in either MUSC 1135 or MUSC 1145. Students with previous ensemble experience may, with permission of the Music faculty, take MUSC 1130 or 1140.
Students taking keyboard lessons as their concentration instrument will enrol in MUSC 1155 if they have intermediate keyboard skills. Instrumentalists (including beginning pianists) and vocalists will enrol in MUSC 1156.
Instrumentalists and vocalists who have achieved Grade 7 RCMT level in piano may, with the permission of the Music Coordinator, take studio instruction lessons in piano instead of class piano. In this case, they would enrol in MUSC 1153 instead of MUSC 1106.

Notes Regarding Elective Requirements:

There is no English proficiency requirement for acceptance into the Basic Musicianship program or registration into Basic Musicianship courses. However, to be eligible for registration in many other College courses, students must provide proof of English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or an approved substitution. This information is particularly important when determining which course(s) will be taken to meet the 3-credit open elective requirement.
Students who do not meet the College's English proficiency requirement are encouraged to complete courses in either ELLA or ENGU, as placed by assessments. These courses cannot be counted for credit toward the Basic Musicianship program.

Program Guidelines

Program Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this program and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the program, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

January 2019 (Current)

September 2017

January 2009

Testimonials