Advanced Diploma in Music

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced specific skills and applied competence in their instruments that will provide continued personal and intellectual growth, and to make rewarding contributions to society, in the form of arts and culture. The 1-year Advanced Diploma in Music is designed to prepare learners for careers in solo and ensemble performance in this discipline. It also creates a track for learners who have completed the Diploma in Music Performance for entry into the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Music, and would also benefit BMus learners who wish to hone their skills in an additional year of study. Upon completion of the qualification learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological, psychological and ethno musicological aspects of Music, and the interaction with the other elements of culture.
• Communicate their understanding and interpretation of creative and performing issues to others.
• Compile a music composition portfolio and present them in a professional manner.

Rationale

Performance learners who have completed a Bachelor of Music usually choose to do a Bachelor of Music Honours before doing a Master of Music, as there is a considerable increase in the level required between the Bachelor of Music and the Masters of Music. For learners who have completed a Diploma in Music Performance (equivalent in terms of practical requirements to a BMus, but at NQF 6), there is no equivalent 1-year course before doing a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Music. This represents an anomaly, and a gap in our practical qualification and the Advanced Diploma fills this gap.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission

• Appropriate Diploma or Bachelors' Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL procedures for admission to undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of Humanities apply. In addition applicants may be required to perform an audition and/or submit an audio-visual recording of a recent performance.

The qualification comprises 2 compulsory and 3 elective modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits. Learners must choose at least 1 elective.

Modules

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, 96 Credits

• Advanced Instrumental / Vocal Studies A, 48 Credits.
• Advanced Instrumental / Vocal Studies B, 48 Credits.

Elective Modules at NQF Level 7 (Select one)

• Advanced Transcription Methods (African Music), 24 Credits.
• Advanced Repertoire Studies (Jazz),24 Credits.
• Advanced Repertoire Studies (Western Classical), 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological, psychological and ethno musicological aspects of Music, and the interaction with the other elements of culture.
2. Communicate their understanding and interpretation of creative and performing issues to others.
3. Compile a music composition portfolio and present them in a professional manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Musical data is read, critically understood and integrated and applied in the context of performance.
• The significance of performance and creative expression in the various musical genres in the context of national and international developments in the arts is understood and appreciated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Performance and creative expression in the context of performance is communicated effectively to music audiences, using appropriate musical methods, skills and tools.
• Technical, compositional and performance skills needed for a professional musician are analysed and demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A music composition portfolio covering a wide repertoire with appropriate style and creativity is compiled.
• Advanced digital music techniques to create sound are applied.
• Relevant compositional techniques in functional music are applied.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessments will consist of recitals, examined by a panel of experts, at least one of which is an external examiner and written assignments. Summative Assessments comprise tests and examinations.