Music Industry Arts and Performance
How To Apply
Program Details
- Program Code6450
- Credential TypeOntario College Advanced Diploma
- SchoolSchool of Communications, Media, Arts and Design
- Program TypePost-secondary program
- Program Length3 years/ 6 semesters
- LocationPerforming Arts Centre
- Emailjfeyen@centennialcollege.ca
- Technology Requirements
Program Availability
- Program Overview
- Courses
- Career Options and Education Pathways
- Admission Requirements
- How to Apply
- Tuition and Fees
- Technology Requirements
- Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
- Meet the Faculty
- Advising
- Entrepreneurism
The Centennial College Performing Arts Centre is Now Open!
With the expansion and growth of our performing arts programs over the past several years, a unified performing arts centre has been our goal for some time. We are excited that the dream has become a reality with the opening of our new performing arts centre. Learn more.
Centennial College's Music Industry Arts and Performance (MIAP) program will turn your passion for popular, world or Indigenous music into an exciting and lasting career in a wide range of music-related fields.
This unique advanced music diploma program, offered at the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design, will take three years to complete. During this time, Music Industry Arts and Performance course work will help you to:
- Nurture musicality and creativity;
- Become aware of a variety of music cultures;
- Build knowledge of music-related technologies;
- Develop business and entrepreneurial skills.
Professional musicians will mentor you during private lessons and ensemble rehearsals. This hands-on experience will then be further enhanced by a six-week field placement in the final semester that will provide practical experience in the real world.
In the third year of this college Music program, you'll choose a stream of study that will allow for specialization. You may join either the music creation and business stream or the music creation and technology stream.
As a graduate of the Music Industry Arts and Performance program, you'll be a versatile, culturally-aware musician and singer with the technological and business savvy necessary to work and make money in the music industry of today and tomorrow.
Please note the following academic calendar differences:
September Start: Students who enroll in the September intake will attend classes during the Fall* and Winter* semesters for a duration of three consecutive years, with a scheduled break each Summer*. The academic calendar for September start students will follow this pattern: Fall*, Winter*, Break, Fall*, Winter*, Break, Fall*, Winter*.
January Start: For students who choose the January intake, a condensed schedule is implemented to complete the program, including a break during the Winter* semester. The academic schedule for January start students will consist of classes during the Winter*, Summer*, and Fall* semesters, followed by a break during the Winter* semester. The program will then resume for another three consecutive semesters in the Summer*, Fall* and Winter*. The condensed January start schedule will follow this pattern: Winter*, Summer*, Fall*, Break, Summer*, Fall*, Winter*.
* Please note the following specific semester timelines:
- Fall: September – December | Winter: January – April | Summer: May – August
Program Overview
The Centennial College Performing Arts Centre is Now Open!
With the expansion and growth of our performing arts programs over the past several years, a unified performing arts centre has been our goal for some time. We are excited that the dream has become a reality with the opening of our new performing arts centre. Learn more.
Centennial College's Music Industry Arts and Performance (MIAP) program will turn your passion for popular, world or Indigenous music into an exciting and lasting career in a wide range of music-related fields.
This unique advanced music diploma program, offered at the School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design, will take three years to complete. During this time, Music Industry Arts and Performance course work will help you to:
- Nurture musicality and creativity;
- Become aware of a variety of music cultures;
- Build knowledge of music-related technologies;
- Develop business and entrepreneurial skills.
Professional musicians will mentor you during private lessons and ensemble rehearsals. This hands-on experience will then be further enhanced by a six-week field placement in the final semester that will provide practical experience in the real world.
In the third year of this college Music program, you'll choose a stream of study that will allow for specialization. You may join either the music creation and business stream or the music creation and technology stream.
As a graduate of the Music Industry Arts and Performance program, you'll be a versatile, culturally-aware musician and singer with the technological and business savvy necessary to work and make money in the music industry of today and tomorrow.
Please note the following academic calendar differences:
September Start: Students who enroll in the September intake will attend classes during the Fall* and Winter* semesters for a duration of three consecutive years, with a scheduled break each Summer*. The academic calendar for September start students will follow this pattern: Fall*, Winter*, Break, Fall*, Winter*, Break, Fall*, Winter*.
January Start: For students who choose the January intake, a condensed schedule is implemented to complete the program, including a break during the Winter* semester. The academic schedule for January start students will consist of classes during the Winter*, Summer*, and Fall* semesters, followed by a break during the Winter* semester. The program will then resume for another three consecutive semesters in the Summer*, Fall* and Winter*. The condensed January start schedule will follow this pattern: Winter*, Summer*, Fall*, Break, Summer*, Fall*, Winter*.
* Please note the following specific semester timelines:
- Fall: September – December | Winter: January – April | Summer: May – August
Courses
Career Options and Education Pathways
Program Highlights
- No other music program offers the blend of performance, creative, contextual, business and technology courses found in Centennial College's Music Industry Arts and Performance program.
- You'll have many opportunities to perform and record, which will enhance your industry readiness.
- The program's practical, hands-on approach will play a big role in preparing you for a sustainable music-related career.
- The advanced diploma you'll earn reflects high standards of learning.
Career Outlook
- Freelance musician
- Music creator for media
- Recording engineer
- Live sound technician
- Music producer
- Artist manager
- Concert promoter
- Tour manager
- Music publisher
- Music supervisor/consultant
- Music journalist
Education Pathways
Graduates of this Music Industry Arts and Performance advanced diploma program have the opportunity to apply learning achieved at Centennial for credits toward further study at the degree level. Listed below are institutions offering pathways for this program.
Please note that each receiving institution has minimum admission requirements in order to qualify for transfer credits, which are assessed by the receiving institution.
| Region | Institution |
|---|---|
| Toronto GTA | Seneca Polytechnic |
| York University | |
| Ontario | Algoma University |
| Lakehead University | |
| Ontario Tech University | |
| Trent University | |
| Windsor, University of | |
| Canada | Royal Roads University |
For more detailed pathways information, visit our website at //centennial.adv-pub.moveonca.com/outgoing-home/.
Use the following Education Pathways Checklist as a guide as you explore your options.
For pathways to other Ontario post-secondary institutions, please visit ONTransfer.
Areas of Employment
Areas of EmploymentAdmission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
- Grade 12 English (C or U), or equivalent (minimum grade required), or take the Centennial English Admission Test
Additional Requirements
- English language proficiency
- Applicants will also be required to submit a music portfolio which must include the following:
- TWO audition videos of yourself performing two contrasting pieces on your primary instrument (one song per video).
- A completed music background questionnaire.
- Two or more of the following items:
- Results of a music theory evaluation that you will complete online.
- A reference letter in PDF format speaking to your musical ability and preparedness for college.
- Studio-quality audio recording in MP3 format featuring you playing and/or singing a song that is different from the song in the submitted videos.
- Sheet music or lead sheet in PDF format of an original song. If the song contains lyrics, the lyrics should be printed underneath the melody line.
- Link to a video recording of you performing live in front of an audience. You must be clearly seen and heard in the video.
Notes:
- After applying, you will receive a letter with instructions on how to prepare for submit your music portfolio.
- If you have questions about the program or admission requirements, please contact program coordinator Jesse Feyen at jfeyen@centennialcollege.ca
Important Instructions: Audition Videos
You can audition as a singer, rapper, or instrumentalist. As an instrumentalist, you can audition on any instrument, including turntables. The video must feature you performing “live,” that is, you must be clearly seen and heard actually singing and/or playing an instrument for the entire video (not lip-syncing, as in a music video). The pieces can be cover songs or original songs of any length. You should choose songs that you’re comfortable playing/singing and that best showcase your musical ability. Given the focus of the MIAP program, songs aligned with popular music (such as blues, rock, country, soul, hip-hop, r&b, etc.), world music (non-Western music), and/or Indigenous music are preferred. Pre-recorded accompaniment tracks can be used, but your playing/singing must be clearly heard above any pre-recorded accompaniment.
You must choose ONE primary instrument (such as “voice” or “guitar”), and both of your audition videos should feature you on your primary instrument. If your primary instrument is voice, you can accompany yourself on guitar, piano, or other instrument if you like, but only your voice will be evaluated.
How to Apply
1. Apply Online
Domestic Students
If you are applying through the Better Jobs Ontario Program, please work with an Employment Ontario service provider. For more information go to Better Jobs Ontario Program.
If you have previously attended a full-time program at Centennial College, you may be eligible for a Program Transfer. Visit Enrolment Services at any Campus for information.
All other applicants must apply online at Ontariocolleges.ca. A non-refundable application fee of $150 must accompany applications. The fee is payable online, by telephone, online banking, by mail, or in-person to Ontariocolleges.ca. For more information go to Ontariocolleges.ca Application Fees.
International Students
Apply directly to Centennial College here.
2. Submit Documents
Domestic Applicants
Current Ontario high school students and graduates from Ontario high schools: Notify your guidance counsellor that you have applied to college and your school will forward transcripts to Centennial College via Ontariocolleges.ca.
Graduates of college/university, or high school outside Ontario but within Canada: You are responsible for requesting that your educational institute sends any required documents and transcripts to Ontariocolleges.ca.
Domestic applicants who attended school outside of Canada: If you are submitting transcripts to meet admission requirements, you must have the transcripts assessed by an independent credential assessment agency such as World Education Services (WES) or International Credential Assessment Service (ICAS). For more information go to Submitting your Transcripts.
International Applicants
Please refer to the International Education Application Guide.
3. Confirm Your Offer of Admission
Offers of Admission are sent by mail to eligible applicants. When you receive your offer, you must login to your account at Ontariocolleges.ca and confirm before the Deadline to Confirm noted in your offer letter.
You may confirm only one college and one program offer at a time.
You must confirm your offer by the Deadline to Confirm noted in your Offer of Admission letter or your seat may be given to another applicant.
When you confirm your Offer of Admission at Centennial College you are given access to your personal myCentennial account where you can check your email, grades, register for courses, pay tuition fees, and see your class timetable.
4. Pay Fees
Centennial fees statements are sent by email to your personal email account and to your myCentennial email account. Fees statements are not mailed.
You must make a minimum payment by the Fees Deadline noted in your Fees Statement or your seat may be given to another applicant.
5. Build Your Timetable (Register for Courses)
Build your timetable (web-register for courses) at my.centennialcollege.ca.
Fall registration begins mid-July
January registration begins mid-December
May registration begins mid-April
Your web-registration will not open if:
You have not submitted your minimum fee payment by the deadline
You received a Conditional Offer of Admission and you have not met the conditions of your offer.
Once you have paid your fees or have made appropriate arrangements, register for your courses online through myCentennial.
Tuition and Fees
Fees noted below are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters, beginning Fall 2025.
| Student | Tuition (2 Semesters) | Ancillary Fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian | $4,301.00 | $1,375.33 | $5,676.33 |
| International | $17,148.00 | $1,873.28 | $19,021.28 |
Technology Requirements
Technology Requirements
Bring IT programs will require students to own and use a mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements.
Note: If you require accommodation for a documented disability, please consider your adaptive technology needs when you select a device for your BringIT programs (click for recommendations). If you wish to access disability services, please make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning and Counselling Services, by calling 437-568-4799, or by email at calcs@centennialcollege.ca.
Have questions? Check out Frequently Asked Questions for our Bring IT Program.
Students from this program will require to own/purchase a device and software relevant to the program:
Minimum Recommended Hardware Specifications
- MacBook Pro 13-inch
- 4GB of RAM
- Display with 1280-by-768 resolution or higher
- OS X v10.6.8 or later
- A pair of studio-quality headphones (not earbuds)
Minimum Required Software
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 2010 or higher version
- Logic Pro X
Recommended Hardware
- A keyboard instrument, preferably MIDI compatible
- Audio interface and microphone
- External hard drive
Beginning in semester 1, the Music Industry Arts and Performance (MIAP) program teaches students how to create music primarily through using a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software program called Logic Pro X. This software is only available on MAC computers. Students bring their own MAC laptops with Logic Pro X to class and then continue their work at home. Students will have opportunities to use other DAWs during the MIAP program, but several courses require Logic Pro X files to be submitted, so it is mandatory that students own a MAC with Logic Pro X installed on the first day of the first semester. Students also need their own pair of headphones (not earbuds).
In order to get the most out of MIAP, we strongly recommend that students invest in a simple home recording setup consisting of a keyboard instrument (preferably one that is MIDI compatible), audio interface and microphone, and an external hard drive for storing and backing up musical projects.
You will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection. High speed broadband access (LAN, Cable or DSL) with minimum 10mbps download speed is highly recommended. Some courses have more advanced system requirements.
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes
Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.
- Create, perform, and record popular, world, and/or indigenous music at a professional level as a soloist, in an ensemble, or both.
- Evaluate the musical and technical aspects of musical works, performances, and recordings using appropriate terminology.
- Explore a wide variety of music cultures in order to create musical and written works that are culturally relevant.
- Setup and operate technological equipment and devices associated with live and studio music-making.
- Produce sheet music and audio recordings using current and relevant music-making software and technology.
- Develop and present a plan for a sustainable career in the music industry.
- Manage all administrative facets of commercial ventures relating to music in a way that adheres to standard industry practice and legal guidelines.
- Design, execute, and manage community-based music programs and initiatives.
Meet the Faculty
Student Work and Experience
Kunle, Music Industry Arts and Performance GraduateIt gave me a sense of drive, waking up every morning to go to school and meet other people. The joy of just watching other people play, it made me feel like I made a good choice.