Bachelor of Music: Creative Practice Portfolio Requirements (Fall 2026)

Applying to the Bachelor of Music (BMus) at Carleton

One of the unique things about Carleton’s Bachelor of Music program is the diversity of musical instruments, traditions, and genres we support. Whether you are a classical or jazz musician, a singer-songwriter, a traditional fiddler, bagpiper, heavy metal guitarist, a DJ/turntablist/beat producer, computer musician, sound artist, or composer, we want to hear from you and we welcome your application.

To apply to the Carleton Music Program, please do the following:

Step 1 – You must submit your application through the OUAC before the March 1 application deadline, choosing Carleton’s Bachelor of Music program. Once you have done so, you will be given an applicant number that you will need to cite when requesting your Creative Practice Portfolio application form. 

You must request the Creative Practice Portfolio application form by March 5 from the Music Program Coordinator at 613-520-5770 or by email at music@carleton.ca. The deadline for submission, along with the Creative Practice Portfolio application link, will be emailed to you by the Music Program Coordinator.

Step 2 – Complete your digital Creative Practice Portfolio. The Creative Practice Portfolio consists of two categories:

1. Live Performance (instrumentalists and singers)
2. Other Creative Practice (computer music, composition, sound art or production)

If your primary practice is 1) Live Performance:

Submit two contrasting pieces that convey the range of your work.

• We require you to record these pieces in one LIVE recording. The video files of you performing on your main instrument or voice either solo or accompanied can be original works or covers. They should represent your interests and abilities, including technical ability and musical expression. The videos do not need to be professional (they can be filmed on a mobile phone), although we would ask that your performance is clearly audible and that it documents a complete take rather than one that has been edited together from multiple performances. Also, please frame your shot in such a way that your hands, body position, and other aspects of performing technique are clearly visible.

If your primary practice is 2) Other Creative Practice:

• We require two or three examples of your creative work in music and/or sound arts.
• For example, you can submit scores of compositions and accompanying sound files (audio recordings of rendered MIDI files are acceptable) or video documentation of sound art works (for example, sound installations or sculptures).

Step 3 – Write a personal statement to be uploaded with your Creative Practice Portfolio (maximum 500 words).

• Example of a written statement: Describe your musical/creative background, training, and reasons for pursuing postsecondary study in music. Your personal statement should answer questions about your musical experience, such as: How long have you played your instrument and/or been engaged with the sonic arts? Have you had private lessons? With whom have you studied music up to this point? Do you play any other instruments? What ensembles have you played in? Do you have a background in music theory? If so, please tell us about it. What are your musical interests and goals? What do you find most interesting about Carleton’s music program?

Step 4 – Complete the Online Theory Test. The link to complete the theory test will be emailed to you by the Music Program Coordinator when you request your Creative Practice Portfolio application.

• Please note that the results of your theory and ear-training placement test will be used for placement purposes only. Our decision to admit you to the B.Mus. program will be based solely on your B.Mus. Creative Practice Portfolio, and your academic record.

Step 5 – Submit your Creative Practice Portfolio via the application link sent to you by the Music Program Coordinator at music@carleton.ca. This is a limited enrolment program and offers of admission will start going out to qualified applicants as they complete the Creative Practice Portfolio. It is best to get your portfolio in as soon as possible so that you can be eligible for our first round of offers.