Flute in the Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Our top priority is for you to reach your full potential as a flutist and as a thoughtful, well-rounded musician. Our close student-teacher collaboration, nurturing atmosphere, and exceptional performance standards help us realize that goal.

In addition to hour-long private lessons, you will have weekly masterclasses exploring solo repertoire (with accompaniment) in addition to a variety of flute chamber music.

Our professional coach-accompanist will work with you weekly, coaching you through new repertoire and accompanying you during major recitals, masterclass and juries.

As a flute student, you have the flexibility to pursue your Bachelor of Music in composition, education, integrated musical arts, music history, theory and critical analysis, performance or self-directed studies. Pathways to the Bachelor of Music Therapy are available in your third year.

Careers

arts administrator
professional performer
private instructor
public school educator

Alumni have successfully pursued law, physiotherapy, music therapy and community music.

Auditions

Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Music is based on the collective results of your audition, academics, theory and ear training test, interview, reference and optional portfolio.

Audition repertoire should be performed at a Grade 8 RCM level or higher. RCM formal training and exams are not required.

Candidates should prepare:

Two contrasting movements from a Baroque era sonata (e.g. J.S. Bach, M. Blavet) OR one movement from a Classical era concerto (e.g. Mozart or CPE Bach)
One of the following that demonstrates expressive and technical capabilities. Works by IBPOC and female composers welcome and encouraged.
1. any work from Flute Music by French Composers (ed. L. Moyse, publisher G. Schirmer)
2. a twenty or twenty-first century sonata or unaccompanied solo work
Etude demonstrating your current level of technical development.
Scales: Major, minor and chromatic scales, 2 octaves (C, C#, D 3 octaves).

Repertoire may be substituted with permission from the Faculty of Music. Contact musicauditions@wlu.ca.

Audition Advice

Choose pieces that demonstrate the best of your abilities. Find a professional flutist who offers private lessons to coach you through your audition pieces.

Program Details

First-Year Courses

MU100: Music at its Contexts
MU181: Ensemble
MU136/137: Musical Skills
MU161/162: Music Theory
MU190A: Applied Study (flute lessons and masterclass)
three elective courses

Laurier Ensemble and Performance Opportunities

Symphony Orchestra
Wind Orchestra
chamber music ensembles
student recitals
student composer concerts
concerto competitions
community outreach performances

Flute Guest Artists

Robert Aitken
Timothy Hutchins
Catherine Ransom Karoly
Camille Churchfield
Susan Hoeppner
Joanna G’froerer

Additional Flute Facts

Facilities and Equipment

Laurier owns two piccolos, two alto flutes and a bass flute which students can use.
The studio is equipped to provide a seamless transition to remote learning, if needed. Students that may be unable to attend a lesson or studio class in person will have the option to participate in a live remote event or request a recording of the class.

Health and Well-being

You will be a part of a small community of supportive peers and teachers. During you studies, your teacher will help you find an appropriate work-life balance and give you the tools necessary to make sustainable and healthy progress.

Extracurricular Opportunities

In addition to Laurier ensembles, many students play in community groups such as the Kitchener-Waterloo Youth Symphony and Wellington Winds.
National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Boxwood Festival (Nova Scotia), Pender Island Flute Retreat (B.C.), Domaine Forget, Orford Academy are just some of the summer programs you may choose to pursue while studying flute at Laurier.
You have the option to join any of our student clubs and organizations.
You are encouraged to participate in an international exchange in the winter term of your third year.