Dr. Edward Top

Instructor

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Biography

Edward Top is a composer and sessional lecturer currently teaching in the Department of Music at the University of British Columbia. He studied composition at the Rotterdam Conservatoire, where he was primarily taught by Peter-Jan Wagemans, and furthered his studies at King’s College London. He has maintained a close relationship with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where he served as Composer-in-Residence from 2011 to 2014. His compositions have been commissioned by various orchestras and ensembles, reflecting influences from East-Asian culture, neo-expressionism, and even extreme metal genres. Top's works have been performed internationally, and he has a significant relationship with the Canadian Music Centre as an Associate Composer. His notable commissioned works include 'Eruption,' premiered by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and 'Helix,' which was part of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's centennial season. He has collaborated with numerous chamber ensembles and has a history of performing with the Standing Wave ensemble. In addition to his composition work, he actively engages in teaching and mentoring students in composition and musicology.

Research Interests

Requirements for University of British Columbia

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Philosophy or related field 3 credits in formal logic 6 credits at the upper level in history of philosophy 3 credits at the upper level in ethics or value theory 6 credits at the upper level in metaphysics, epistemology, or philosophy of science
Application Checklist
  • Online application form
  • Application fee
  • Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Writing sample (15-20 pages)
  • Statement of intent
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
Specialization Notes

Offers course-only and thesis routes. Focus areas include philosophy of science, mind, ethics, and Asian philosophy.