Higher Certificate in Choral Studies
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Higher Certificate
Credits
120
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Venda
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 02 - Culture and Arts
Subfield
Performing Arts
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
This qualification serves to provide learners with basic knowledge and introduces them to the cognitive and conceptual skills such as practical techniques. The intended outcomes is to have more skilful conductors who will assist with the improvement of choral music and assist in the development of up and coming musicians who will be able to demonstrate understanding of core areas in choral music, select repertoire, and communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently.
Rationale
In the field of art, choral music is a developed ability and learnt skill. Choral music artists in South Africa lack appropriate knowledge of choral music, and this has a negative impact in the field. Thus this qualification is aimed at equipping learners with the necessary skills so that they are able to contribute positively to the field. Institutions such as the Department of Education host choral competitions on an annual basis and for them to succeed in this competition; choral artists are expected to facilitate workshops in order to assist choir conductors with the conducting of a choir. On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to work for institutions like the Department of Arts and Culture as qualified choral music artists, as well as in the Department of Education by assisting educators with the music component in the learning area of arts and culture, and can also work at the Department of Correctional Services as qualified choral music artists to conduct choirs. Furthermore the South African Police Service also appoints choral music artists to conduct the brass bands.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The Department Admission Committee will evaluate the learner's experience based on merit of each case. After the evaluation the Committee will make a recommendation to the School Admission Committee. The School Admission Committee may require testimonials and proof of certificates.
RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a particular qualification, but with proven expertise and competency will be considered.
Entry Requirements
The minimum requirement to enrol for the Higher Certificate in Choral Studies is either a
- Senior Certificate without endorsement.
- National Senior Certificate.
- National Certificate (Vocational).
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of 5 modules totalling 120 Credits at NQF Level 5
- Choral Training and Directing, 30 Credits.
- Music Literacy, 40 Credits.
- History of Choral Music, 20 Credits.
- Practical Musicianship, 10 Credits.
- Basic Keyboard Training, 20 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of core areas in choral music.
- Demonstrate the ability to select repertoire and apply practical knowledge.
- Demonstrate ability to communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Integrating all the knowledge learnt throughout the qualification a mini dissertation and a long essay is compiled.
- Music is written and clearly expressed.
- Portfolio of compositions, texts, transcripts and recordings are produced.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Ability to conduct a choir is demonstrated.
- Individual and group performance is demonstrated.
- Electronic equipment and musical instruments are used.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Understanding of, and respect for conventions around intellectual property is applied.
- Responsibility for resources where appropriate is taken into consideration.
Integrated Assessment
The Higher Certificate in Choral Studies comprises of various forms of assessments, which also include written assessments. The focus is on choral performance which is assessed by internal and external choral music experts.
Formative assessment
This form of assessment comprises tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance.
Summative assessment
This form of assessment comprises of written and practical examinations, a long essay and a portfolio of evidence as outlined by the modules.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification provides opportunities for both horizontal and vertical articulation such as
Horizontal
- Higher Certificate in Music at NQF Level 5.
Vertical
- Diploma in Choral Studies at NQF Level 6.
International comparability
University of Denver
The University of Denver in Colorado, United State of America (USA) offers a Certificate in conducting choral music. The qualification offers professional training in the conducting of Western art music in choral, orchestral, and wind traditions. This qualification is intended for learners who are not yet prepared to enter an Artist Diploma qualification. Learners will gain valuable hands-on experience with many of the extra-musical activities which conductors and music directors face, including managing personnel, librarian activities, running auditions, recruiting, etc.
University Of Washington
The University of Washington in the United States of America offers a teacher certificate in choral conducting. Learners are immersed in hands-on, individually focused and conducting experience. Learners are also trained to conduct, teach and lead in events such as choral festivals, visits from renowned choral scholars and international tours. Learners are also expected to undergo research which includes, Laban Movement Theory for Conductors, Baltic Choral Repertoire, New Music and Gesture, and Expressivity in Choral Conducting.
Conclusion
This qualification compares favourably with the qualifications that are offered internationally. The qualifications provide learners with choral music skills and research skills. Furthermore, the qualifications are similar in terms of exposing learners to various experiential learning activities in order to express themselves in choral conducting, and to give the learners the opportunity to learn from various experts in the field. This qualification could only be suitably compared with the qualifications offered by the institutions in the USA because other countries do not offer similar qualifications.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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