Fine and performing arts: every university, ranked
Music at Acadia University
BM (Bachelor of Music) or BAM (Bachelor of Arts in Music) · Faculty of Professional Studies (School of Music) · Wolfville campus
What average do you need for Acadia Music?
For an applicant from a high school in Ontario. Acadia works out your average its own way; the finder does that for you.
Majors or options chosen later: Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music (Concentration in Music Education), Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Arts in Music with Honours.
What courses do you need?
Acadia's own list for Ontario high school applicants.
- Required
- ENG4U English
Is there a supplementary application?
Extra steps beyond marks, with the school's deadlines. Miss a required one and the application is not considered.
- Required
- School of Music application through the Acadia application, then an audition planned with an Audition Advisor: perform or present 2 to 3 examples of your music, any style or genre. 2026-27 cycle dates: on campus Friday 30 October 2026 and Saturday 14 November 2026; 'Acadia Away' auditions Saturday 9 January 2027 (Bedford, Lunenburg, New Glasgow). The calendar says the audition may be live or recorded.Due Apply and audition by 1 March 2027 (encouraged, for scholarship priority)
- Required
- Two music recommendations (references)
How much does Acadia Music cost?
For a student from Ontario (the out-of-province rate), at this year's prices.
- Tuition
- $11,000 first year, $43,900 in all
- Student fees
- $1,500 to $1,900 first year, $6,100 to $7,800 in all
- Residence and meals
- $14,200 first yearFirst year
What do fine and performing arts graduates earn?
Statistics Canada publishes pay by field for each province's graduates, not by school. Figures are for Nova Scotia bachelor's graduates, the class of 2022 two years after and the class of 2019 five years after, in 2024 dollars.
What careers does Acadia Music lead to?
Careers people reach through this field, each with its pay, training and what the work is like.
- Graphic DesignerLogos, websites, packaging, apps. A portfolio matters more than a diploma.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- MusicianPlay or sing for money. Almost everyone does it by stacking gigs, teaching and session work together.$33kTypical pay2 to 10 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- ActorFilm, TV (television), theatre, voice and commercials. Good money per day of work, and most people do not get many days.$50kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- AnimatorYou make drawings and models move, frame by frame, for films, series and games.$65kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- ArchivistDecide what records survive and make them findable. Quiet work with long consequences.$82kTypical pay6 to 8 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- AuthorYou write books and long pieces for a living, usually alongside other writing work that pays the bills.$77kTypical payup to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
Where else can you study fine and performing arts?
The same field at other universities, with what each says it takes.
| Program | School says | Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| MusicDalhousie, Nova Scotia | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,030 |
| Theatre (Fountain School of Performing Arts)Dalhousie, Nova Scotia | Minimum overall average 70%; competitive, no published cut-off | $9,030 |
| Acting for the TheatreConcordia, Quebec | High school: C+ (Ontario 67 to 69% on Concordia's scale) | $12,986 |
| AdvertisingOCAD U, Ontario | Minimum overall average of 70% | $8,082 |
| Applied ArtsUNB, New Brunswick | Minimum admission average 65%; meeting it does not guarantee admission | $9,189 |
| ArtULethbridge, Alberta | General admission minimum: 65% average on five Grade 12 courses (no competitive average published) | $6,822 |
| Art dramatiqueMoncton, New Brunswick | Minimum average of 70% over the five admission courses (French at least 65%, the others at least 60%); meeting it does not guarantee a place in a limited program | $8,601 |
| Art Education: Visual ArtsConcordia, Quebec | High school: C+ (Ontario 67 to 69% on Concordia's scale) | $12,986 |
If you don't get in
Routes the data shows: like programs that ask for less, and college programs with a transfer agreement into this one.
- Asks for less
- Music at Concordia: High school: C+ (Ontario 67 to 69% on Concordia's scale)
- Music at Algoma: Min. Avg. 65%
- Bachelor of Music at MacEwan: Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, and the audition is the main criterion
Where these numbers come from
- Admission average: www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab) (www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Tuition: www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab) (registrar.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab) (Fees 2026-2027, Undergraduate))
- Residence: www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab) (www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab) ; www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab) ; www2.acadiau.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Pay by field: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
How every figure in this part of the site is sourced, and the check of every link.
Careerhelp is not affiliated with Acadia University. Requirements and averages change every year: check the school's page before you apply.