Advanced Diploma in Music

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Music aims to provide advanced and specific skills in two specialization options. The orchestral studies prepare learners for both positions in orchestras and ensembles and instrument-related teaching positions.

The orchestral studies' core competencies attained at the diploma level are refined and consolidated within the niche areas of performance studies, orchestral studies, ensemble studies as well as repertoire and method modules.

Learners specializing in music education associate and integrate the core music-related competencies achieved at the diploma level into the discipline of music education, specifically within the modules of music education, repertoire and method, indigenous ensemble and performance studies. This specialization option is specifically focused on preparing the learner for a broad spectrum of teaching responsibilities and related musical practices.

This qualification provides learners with preparation for a specialized, professional career and aims to enhance and focus the career of a learner who already completed the Diploma in Music.

The mutual modules between the two specialization options are to prepare learners for the varied challenges within the specific career choices above. The keyboard skills module prepares learners to study new repertoire and to play simple accompaniments, while the applied music theory enhances the understanding of repertoire.

This qualification prepares learners for postgraduate studies, especially through the proposed "Introduction to Research Skills" module where the integration and consolidation of scholarly theories and practices are developed.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Illustrate the ability to synthesize, conceptualize and integrate core knowledge and exhibit an understanding thereof concerning the principles and practices of one of the two specialization areas of Orchestral Studies and Music Education.
• Understand, evaluate, and apply both theories and knowledge of voice/instrumental studies, repertoire and methods of teaching as related to one of the two specialization areas of Orchestral Studies and Music Education.
• Understand current practices and methods as well as selecting appropriate interventions within performing, teaching and community engagement aspects as specifically related to one of the two specialization areas of Orchestral Studies and Music Education.
• Illustrate the ability to evaluate performances and choose effective strategies and theories to address issues related to performance, and instrumental/vocal/general music education teaching practices related to one of the two specialization areas of Orchestral Studies and Music Education.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Music will benefit society and the economy by providing qualified learners in the creative and cultural industries who can contribute to the creative economy as, music educators, researchers, performers, conductors, composers, arrangers, and orchestral musicians among others. The qualification accommodates learners who have prior knowledge of musical literacy and performance.

To serve the needs of the learners completing the Diploma in Music, this qualification is proposed with two specialisation areas to serve the development of these areas for professional practice:

Serving the teaching duties mostly carried out simultaneously with the orchestral career are the modules repertoire and method, keyboard skills as well as community engagement and research. This specialization option will develop specific skills necessary to become members of professional orchestras as well as to develop instrumental and orchestral playing within a wide range of communities.

Within music education specialisation, the qualification is constructed to include modules which develop skills related to the music educator's profession. This specialization area will equip learners with a range of skills to contribute to the musical development of young learners and contribute to a range of music education activities in both local and international contexts.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Music, NQF Level 6

Or

• Diploma in Music Education, NQF Level 6

Or

• Diploma in Practical Music, NQF Level 6

Exit Level Outcomes

1. Illustrate the ability to synthesize, conceptualize and integrate core knowledge and exhibit an understanding thereof concerning the principles and practices of one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
2. Apply understanding to evaluate and apply both theories and knowledge of voice and instrumental studies, repertoire and methods of teaching as related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
3. Apply current practices and methods as well as select appropriate interventions within performing, teaching and community engagement aspects as specifically related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
4. Evaluate performances and choose effective strategies and theories to address issues related to performance, instrumental, vocal, and general music education teaching practices related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
5. Apply knowledge and show comprehension of the value and ethics related to performing art aspects and teaching practices, especially within arts management and teaching methods units as related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
6. Evaluate, process, and manage information independently in delivering assignments for individual modules within the Introduction to Research Skills module.
7. Communicate effectively to convey academic, professional, theoretical as well as conventional and new artistic ideas and opinions using verbal and non-verbal skills as pertaining to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
8. Act appropriately and solve academic and artistic issues arising within one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.
9. Apply knowledge and show accountability in the ethical use of resources for theoretical, technical and artistic practices as related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education as imparted especially in the arts management module.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Display vocal proficiency and technical requirements for music expression and performance.
• Recognize musical examples from the repertoire.
• Illustrate knowledge and application of tonal conventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Interpret extant performance practices with detailed attention to authenticity.
• Provide a coherent and critical understanding of concepts, principles, and theories as applicable to evaluation.
• Apply theories and knowledge as related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies or music education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Show understanding and extended knowledge of the repertoire for the specific instrument of certain style periods.
• Present and communicate information, ideas, and opinions in well-structured arguments.
• Illustrate knowledge of tonal conventions in teaching and community engagement aspects as specifically related to one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Recognize and evaluate musical examples from the repertoire.
• Show coherent and critical understanding of pedagogical concepts, principles and theories as related to specific instrumental performance and teaching.
• Apply effective strategies and theories to address issues related to performance, instrumental, vocal, and general music education teaching practices related to one of the two specialization areas of Orchestral Studies and Music Education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Display stage conduct and etiquette resembling a professional quality.
• Apply appropriate stage etiquette and communication with the audience in both formal and less formal performance contexts.
• Analyse ethical and managerial issues affecting an arts organisation.
• Exhibit an understanding of intellectual copyright from an applied perspective in the context of the arts and entertainment milieu.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply knowledge to manage, analyse, classify, and interpret scholarly texts.
• Formulate scholarly arguments based on the effective utilization of scholarly sources.
• Display accurate referencing styles within short research examples.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Perform simple harmonic and form analysis in written and spoken formats.
• Interact musically with other singers and or instrumentalists proficiently and appropriately.
• Participate effectively within a group context such as one of the two specialization areas of orchestral studies and music education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Illustrate pedagogical experience in instrumental tuition of pupils.
• Express an adequate understanding of relevant stylistic knowledge and insight in performance.
• Display the ability to recognize musical examples from the repertoire.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Illustrate a broad understanding of the financial and accounting objectives identified for general management.
• Apply marketing theories and concepts to develop audiences, promote the nonprofit arts as a valuable social sector, and develop marketing plans and strategies; from institutional, government and individual donors.
• Develop effective fundraising strategies and tools to raise funds from institutional, government and individual donors.