Ontario is home to some of the best music schools in Canada, offering world-class training in classical music, jazz, contemporary performance, composition, music education, music production, and music business. Whether you dream of performing on global stages, teaching music professionally, or working behind the scenes in audio production, Ontario provides diverse and highly respected options.
In this guide, we explore the top 15 music schools in Ontario, highlighting what makes each institution unique, the programs offered, career prospects, and estimated tuition fees for both domestic and international students.
Top 15 Music Schools In Ontario And Fees
1. University of Toronto – Faculty of Music
The University of Toronto Faculty of Music is widely regarded as the top music school in Ontario and one of the best in North America. Located in downtown Toronto, the faculty offers an exceptional blend of academic scholarship and elite performance training. Students benefit from access to renowned faculty, extensive research facilities, and professional-level performance venues.
Programs include Bachelor of Music, Artist Diploma, Master of Music, and PhD degrees in performance, composition, musicology, and music education. U of T students regularly collaborate with professional orchestras, opera companies, and contemporary ensembles.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 9,000 – 12,000 per year
- International students: CAD 45,000 – 60,000 per year
2. The Glenn Gould School – Royal Conservatory of Music
The Glenn Gould School is a prestigious conservatory within Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music. It focuses almost entirely on high-level performance training and is best suited for students aiming for professional careers as soloists, orchestral musicians, or chamber performers.
Admission is highly competitive and audition-based. Students receive intensive one-on-one instruction, frequent masterclasses, and regular performance opportunities in professional venues.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 18,000 – 22,000 per year
- International students: CAD 30,000 – 35,000 per year
3. Western University – Don Wright Faculty of Music
Western University’s Don Wright Faculty of Music in London, Ontario, is known for its strong performance culture and balanced academic approach. It offers one of Canada’s largest music faculties, with special strengths in classical performance, music education, composition, and jazz studies.
Students benefit from state-of-the-art rehearsal spaces, recording studios, and extensive ensemble opportunities, including opera, orchestra, and jazz bands.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 8,000 – 11,000 per year
- International students: CAD 30,000 – 40,000 per year
4. McMaster University – School of the Arts (Music)
McMaster University in Hamilton offers a music program that blends performance, theory, and interdisciplinary learning. The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, making it ideal for students interested in combining music with other academic disciplines.
McMaster is particularly attractive to students who want a flexible curriculum and strong academic foundation alongside performance training.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 7,000 – 9,500 per year
- International students: CAD 28,000 – 35,000 per year
5. Queen’s University – School of Music
The Queen’s University School of Music in Kingston is one of Canada’s oldest and most respected music programs. It offers rigorous training in classical performance, composition, and musicology, with a strong emphasis on ensemble work and research excellence.
Queen’s graduates are highly sought after in education, performance, and graduate studies worldwide.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 8,000 – 10,000 per year
- International students: CAD 35,000 – 45,000 per year
6. York University – School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (Music)
York University’s music programs are known for innovation and diversity. Located in Toronto, York offers classical, contemporary, jazz, composition, and music technology pathways, as well as strong interdisciplinary opportunities in film, media, and digital arts.
York is especially popular among students interested in music production, sound design, and experimental music.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 7,500 – 9,500 per year
- International students: CAD 32,000 – 42,000 per year
7. Humber College – Bachelor of Music
Humber College is one of the best music schools in Ontario for contemporary music. Its Bachelor of Music program focuses on performance, songwriting, production, and music business skills needed in today’s industry.
Humber’s hands-on approach, industry connections, and applied curriculum make it a top choice for aspiring professional musicians and producers.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 8,000 – 10,000 per year
- International students: CAD 20,000 – 25,000 per year
8. Fanshawe College – Music Industry Arts
Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts program is internationally recognized for training audio engineers, producers, and music entrepreneurs. The program emphasizes studio recording, live sound, mixing, mastering, and music business fundamentals.
Graduates often work in recording studios, live events, film, television, and digital media.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 4,000 – 6,000 per year
- International students: CAD 16,000 – 20,000 per year
9. Brock University – Department of Music
Brock University in St. Catharines offers a well-rounded music program with strengths in performance, music education, and community engagement. Smaller class sizes allow for personalized instruction and strong faculty-student mentorship.
Brock is ideal for students seeking a supportive learning environment.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 6,500 – 8,500 per year
- International students: CAD 27,000 – 32,000 per year
10. Wilfrid Laurier University – Faculty of Music
Wilfrid Laurier University has one of the largest and most diverse music faculties in Ontario. Its programs span classical, popular music, music education, and therapy, with extensive performance opportunities.
Laurier’s emphasis on experiential learning makes graduates career-ready.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 7,500 – 10,000 per year
- International students: CAD 32,000 – 40,000 per year
11. Carleton University – Bachelor of Music
Carleton University in Ottawa offers a flexible Bachelor of Music degree with options in performance, composition, and music studies. The program integrates technology and interdisciplinary research, appealing to students interested in modern music careers.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 6,800 – 9,000 per year
- International students: CAD 30,000 – 38,000 per year
12. University of Guelph – School of Fine Art and Music
The University of Guelph combines music with liberal arts education, emphasizing creativity, social engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Programs include performance, composition, and music history.
Guelph’s supportive campus culture is ideal for artistic exploration.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 7,000 – 9,000 per year
- International students: CAD 28,000 – 36,000 per year
13. Trent University – Music Program
Trent University offers intimate music programs with a strong focus on individual development. Students benefit from small ensembles, personalized instruction, and opportunities to combine music with other academic fields.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 6,500 – 8,000 per year
- International students: CAD 26,000 – 32,000 per year
14. University of Ottawa – School of Music
The University of Ottawa School of Music offers bilingual (English/French) instruction in performance, composition, and music education. Its location in the nation’s capital provides cultural and professional opportunities.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 7,000 – 9,500 per year
- International students: CAD 33,000 – 40,000 per year
15. University of Windsor – School of Music
The University of Windsor provides quality music education with a focus on accessibility and practical training. Programs include classical, jazz, and contemporary music studies.
Estimated fees:
- Domestic students: CAD 6,000 – 8,000 per year
- International students: CAD 25,000 – 30,000 per year
Conclusion
Choosing the right music school in Ontario depends on your career goals, budget, and preferred learning environment. Universities like Toronto, Western, and Queen’s excel in classical and academic training, while Humber and Fanshawe stand out for industry-focused programs. Conservatories like the Glenn Gould School are ideal for elite performers.