1999 Arts Handbook - Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Music

General information
Objectives of the Bachelor of Music degree
Nature and structure of the Bachelor of Music degree

General information

Course code: 0821
Coordinator: Mr Andre de Quadros

Objectives of the Bachelor of Music degree

At the completion of the Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree, students should have acquired: (i) a practical, theoretical, critical, historical and contextual knowledge and understanding of music; (ii) a range of solo and ensemble performance skills of a high standard; (iii) academic skills leading to postgraduate study and research in music; (iv) an ability to contribute to the community through well-developed music performance skills, and through analytical, problem-solving and communication skills; and (v) a general education in music suitable for employment in the music industry and teaching professions.
Students who complete the BMus degree are expected to develop:

skills in musical performance;
a comprehensive understanding of the various genres of performance in Western music such as instrumental and vocal ensembles, large instrumental and vocal groups, and the multimedia genres of opera and musicals;
a comprehensive understanding of the various eras of Western music history such as early and late medieval music, renaissance music, music of the baroque era, classical music, romantic music, and music of the twentieth century;
a basic understanding of the various roles and functions of different types of music in Western societies, and an ability to articulate these roles in written form and verbally to specialists and the general public;
generic capabilities with respect to musical performance and musicology, including the ability to communicate effectively, the ability to analyse music with the view to increasing one's interpretive skills in performance and conducting, and the ability to think independently about various issues associated with music performance and the promotion of musical activities in the community;
the ability to work cooperatively and creatively in small ensembles and in large orchestras and choral groups;
the capability to plan, supervise and manage public concerts, acting both individually and with a group as appropriate in a given circumstance;
the capability of being self-critical;
the ability to critically differentiate between various published editions of the same music notation, especially with respect to establishing their respective feasibilities relative to a particular performance context.

Nature and structure of the Bachelor of Music degree

The Bachelor of Music degree (BMus) allows students to undertake a major sequence of studies in performance together with studies in composition, musicology or ethnomusicology. Students apply for entry directly into the Bachelor of Music program at the first-year level. To qualify for the degree students must complete two major sequences, one in performance and one in a choice of composition, musicology or ethnomusicology. In addition, a minor sequence must be completed in performance. A first-year sequence either in music or another arts or science subject is required.