About Music – Performance in Cambrian College

Open the doors to a wide range of exciting careers in music with Cambrian College’s Music-Performance Program (PATM).  Our well-rounded curriculum balances intense musical training with practical courses like The Business of Music and tons of hands-on experience, both on stage and in the field.  Regardless of your music background – no matter your musical style or previous training – if you are talented and motivated, the PATM program can unlock your potential.    

Serious Training. Real Results.

Your musical talent will flourish in our intensive and supportive training program. Every week as a Cambrian Music Performance student, you will:

• receive a full hour, one-on-one lesson on your major instrument (brass, classical guitar, piano, percussion, strings, voice or woodwinds).

• become a more versatile, marketable musician with half-hour lessons on a second (minor) instrument.

• give and receive instant feedback in weekly Performance Classes.

• round-out your specialized skills with basic training on a variety of instruments. Introductory methods classes on strings, winds, percussion and guitar will make you more flexible and knowledgeable when you work in the field.

Music Fundamentals

• Music theory courses are offered at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Regardless of your previous theory training, PATM has a class that can accommodate you. First-year students also receive fundamental keyboard skills in Class Piano Minor I & II.
• Music history courses contextualize your training, as well as deepen your understanding of style and musicianship.   

Practical Experience

The Music-Performance program prepares you for a wide range of career paths by offering practical, real-world experiences, including:

• the promotion and management of a full-scale concert series in The Business of Music I & II.

• hands-on teaching experience through the Music Pedagogy courses.  During the third year of the program, you may be hired to teach a student of your own.

• frequent performance opportunities within the school, the broader community, and the province

• even more stage time performing with choirs, orchestras, chamber groups and bands.

After graduation, the possibilities are endless. Whether you want to perform, compose, produce, teach, manage, or work in another field related to music, Cambrian’s Music-Performance program can give you the musical ability and practical knowledge needed to build a career as a 21st Century musician.   

Program Highlights

• Included in your tuition fee, receive 1.5 hours of private music training each week - that's triple the amount of lessons offered by some institutions
• Business of Music courses teach you to market, promote and manage yourself or other musicians
• The only Ontario College advanced diploma that specializes exclusively in classical training
• One of the only college music programs in Ontario that includes courses in Music Pedagogy: learn the art of teaching in a music studio 
• Music theory offered at all skill levels to suit YOUR needs – no entrance exam required
• Frequent performance opportunities for all students
• Easy access to a large bank of instruments and practice facilities

4D Learning Opportunities

Special Events: Cambrian music students are frequently engaged to perform in galas, conferences, concerts, ceremonies and more, throughout Greater Sudbury.

Masterclasses: Distinguished guest artists are invited to host masterclasses, giving our students the opportunity to learn from industry professionals in an interactive setting.

Festivals and Competitions:  Cambrian ensembles and solo musicians have received first place honours at local, Provincial and National competitions; you too will have the chance to compete and join this league of top musicians.  Annual trips to music festivals in the city and across Ontario give you even more opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other musicians. 

Community Outreach: You may be asked to work with the city's youth, perform for charitable organizations and participate in recruiting events.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates of the Music-Performance program face many exciting career and pathway options.  Some may choose to enter the workforce, while others continue their music studies at other postsecondary institutions, taking advantage of the attractive transfer credit agreements offered by our learning pathways (see below).  

Graduates entering the workforce sometimes return to their home communities to work as private teachers and community musicians, while others may pursue their personal goals of recording and touring as performers. Employment opportunities include:

• Private, conservatory, or studio teaching

• Touring and recording

• Stage and talent management

• Songwriting and music composition

• Conducting

• Orchestration and arranging (including Television, Film and gaming industries)

Academic qualification equivalents

• Completion of All India or State Board HSC (XII): 60% or higher in relevant subjects.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS:  6.0 (no band under 5.5)
• TOEFL: 550 (paper based test) 80 (internet based test)
• PTE: 58 (minimum 51 in each component)

Cambrain College Highlights

What it costs to study at Cambrian College: Fees & Expenses

Candidates will incur the education cost as tabulated below. The expenses range given below is for each semester for students enrolled for full-time courses.