Canada is home to some of the world’s most respected music schools—ranging from elite conservatories to modern music production academies. Whether you’re pursuing classical performance, jazz studies, composition, musical theatre, recording engineering, or contemporary commercial music, this guide covers the Top 20 Music Schools in Canada, including fees, program strengths, and what makes each institution stand out.
Top 20 Music Schools In Canada And Fees
1. University of Toronto – Faculty of Music
The University of Toronto consistently ranks as one of Canada’s best universities, and its Faculty of Music is internationally renowned. It offers programs in classical performance, composition, music education, jazz performance, and music technology. Students benefit from world-class faculty, modern rehearsal spaces, and partnerships with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Opera Company.
Fees:
• Domestic: $6,500 – $12,000/year
• International: $40,000 – $52,000/year
2. McGill University – Schulich School of Music
Located in Montreal, McGill’s Schulich School of Music is globally respected for its classical and jazz programs. It also has one of the best sound recording and music research facilities in North America. Students enjoy access to cutting-edge studios, performance halls, and internationally recognized faculty.
Fees:
• Domestic: $4,000 – $7,000/year
• International: $23,000 – $48,000/year
3. University of British Columbia – School of Music
UBC offers comprehensive training in classical music, composition, opera, world music, and music scholarship. The school is known for its research output, stunning campus, and performance collaborations with Vancouver’s music institutions.
Fees:
• Domestic: $6,000 – $9,500/year
• International: $45,000 – $51,000/year
4. Humber College – Faculty of Media & Creative Arts (Toronto)
Humber is Canada’s most respected contemporary music program. Its Bachelor of Music degree focuses on contemporary performance, jazz, production, arranging, and songwriting. Students train with award-winning musicians and have access to modern recording studios.
Fees:
• Domestic: $4,500 – $6,000/year
• International: $18,000 – $28,000/year
5. The Royal Conservatory of Music (Toronto)
The Royal Conservatory is one of the world’s most elite classical music institutions. Known for its professional programs, masterclasses, and its prestigious Glenn Gould School, the RCM provides intensive conservatory-level training for performers.
Fees:
• Full-time diploma programs: $12,000 – $16,000/year
• International: $25,000 – $37,000/year
6. University of Alberta – Department of Music
UAlberta offers classical performance, choral conducting, composition, musicology, and world music programs. Students enjoy strong mentorship, performance ensembles, and collaboration across arts departments.
Fees:
• Domestic: $6,000 – $8,500/year
• International: $30,000 – $38,000/year
7. Queen’s University – Dan School of Drama & Music
Located in Kingston, Queen’s offers a well-rounded music degree with strengths in classical performance, music education, theatre arts, composition, and musicology. Its interdisciplinary approach is ideal for students interested in both performance and academic music studies.
Fees:
• Domestic: $7,000 – $9,000/year
• International: $40,000 – $49,000/year
8. Western University – Don Wright Faculty of Music
Western’s music faculty is known for excellence in music education, performance, composition, and conducting. The university is home to top-tier choirs and orchestral ensembles and provides extensive performance opportunities.
Fees:
• Domestic: $7,000 – $11,000/year
• International: $39,000 – $48,000/year
9. York University – School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (Toronto)
York offers diverse programs ranging from classical and jazz performance to world music, music production, composition, and digital media arts. It is especially strong in ethnomusicology and global music traditions.
Fees:
• Domestic: $6,000 – $8,000/year
• International: $32,000 – $38,000/year
10. Capilano University – School of Performing Arts (North Vancouver)
Capilano is well known for its jazz studies program, with alumni performing worldwide. Their Bachelor of Music Therapy is also one of the strongest in Canada. Students gain hands-on training, gigging opportunities, and access to Vancouver’s vibrant arts scene.
Fees:
• Domestic: $4,500 – $6,000/year
• International: $20,000 – $28,000/year
11. Vancouver Community College – School of Music
VCC has one of Canada’s most practical and industry-connected music programs. It specializes in jazz performance, classical music, music theory, and contemporary commercial music. The school offers affordable tuition and strong professional preparation.
Fees:
• Domestic: $3,000 – $5,000/year
• International: $13,000 – $20,000/year
12. University of Manitoba – Desautels Faculty of Music
This faculty offers classical and jazz performance, music theory, composition, and music education programs. Students get personal mentorship and numerous ensemble opportunities on a large, research-driven campus.
Fees:
• Domestic: $4,500 – $7,000/year
• International: $18,000 – $28,000/year
13. Mount Allison University – Department of Music (New Brunswick)
One of Canada’s top undergraduate music programs, Mount Allison offers classical performance, composition, and academic music studies. The school is known for small class sizes and a tight-knit community.
Fees:
• Domestic: $8,500 – $10,000/year
• International: $20,000 – $26,000/year
14. Dalhousie University – Fountain School of Performing Arts (Halifax)
Dalhousie offers classical music performance, musicology, composition, and theatre-music crossover programs. The school benefits from Halifax’s growing arts sector and regular collaboration with Symphony Nova Scotia.
Fees:
• Domestic: $7,500 – $9,000/year
• International: $28,000 – $35,000/year
15. Memorial University of Newfoundland – School of Music
This program is highly respected for its affordability and strong curriculum in performance, composition, musicology, and sound recording. Memorial also has one of the best graduate-level ethnomusicology programs in Canada.
Fees:
• Domestic: $4,000 – $6,000/year
• International: $12,000 – $20,000/year
16. Wilfrid Laurier University – Faculty of Music (Ontario)
Laurier is known for strong programs in classical performance, composition, and the only undergraduate music therapy program in Ontario. Students gain real-world practicum experience and perform in high-quality ensembles.
Fees:
• Domestic: $6,000 – $8,000/year
• International: $30,000 – $38,000/year
17. Concordia University – Department of Music (Montreal)
Concordia specializes in music technology, digital music, electroacoustic studies, sound design, and interdisciplinary arts. It is ideal for students pursuing modern production, composition, or experimental sound.
Fees:
• Domestic: $3,000 – $5,000/year
• International: $22,000 – $28,000/year
18. Sheridan College – Music Theatre & Performing Arts (Ontario)
Sheridan is Canada’s top school for musical theatre training. Its alumni dominate Broadway, West End, and major Canadian stages. Students receive advanced training in voice, dance, acting, and stage performance.
Fees:
• Domestic: $6,000 – $8,000/year
• International: $20,000 – $28,000/year
19. MacEwan University – Department of Music (Edmonton)
MacEwan offers contemporary and jazz performance, recording, composition, and music management. Its modern recording studios and industry connections make it a great choice for aspiring commercial musicians.
Fees:
• Domestic: $5,500 – $7,500/year
• International: $20,000 – $30,000/year
20. Carleton University – Music Program (Ottawa)
Carleton offers a unique flexibility that allows students to study classical, jazz, folk, popular music, and global music traditions. It also has strong courses in music technology, composition, and music history.
Fees:
• Domestic: $7,000 – $9,500/year
• International: $28,000 – $35,000/year
Conclusion
Choosing the right music school in Canada depends on your goals—whether you want conservatory-level classical training, a modern commercial music education, or a blend of performance and academic study. With excellent institutions across the country, students can find programs that combine affordability, world-class instruction, and real-world experience.