Higher Certificate in Music

Purpose

The qualification serves to provide learners with basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for higher education studies in their chosen field on study. The intended outcome is to have more skilful musicians who will manage music projects through developing the skills to control, promote music and present themselves in a professional manner. It also intended to help in the improvement of musical skills and in developing many young talented musicians to play selected instruments.

Upon qualifying learners will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of understanding of the music rudiment forms in the construction of music.
• Demonstrate abilities to incorporate music aspects that constitute music theory knowledge.
• Demonstrate the ability to solve problems affecting musicians and the music industry through various skills.
• Demonstrate and apply methods and procedure within the music industry.
• Apply ethics and demonstrate professionalism within the music industry.

Rationale

This qualification Higher Certificate in Music will help to equip musicians in South Africa who have no formal training and lack basic music knowledge so that they contribute fruitfully to the development of their music and others. Furthermore, educated musicians are expected to facilitate workshops in order to assist teachers to be able to teach music as a module in schools. In terms of profession, qualified musicians can work at the Department of Arts and Culture; the Department of Correctional Services also appoints qualified musicians to teach music and musical instruments to the inmates and at the South African Police Services who also appoint musicians to play in their brass bands.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Musicians who do not meet the University's entry requirements may be given an opportunity based on the following

• They must have a NQF Level 2 and a testimonial will be required.
• Successful learners will then be auditioned and a selection test will be written to further asses their embedded knowledge and standard of performance.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is the on the basis of one of the following

• A Senior Certificate without endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• National Vocational Certificate (NCV) at NQF Level 4.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Music Literacy A, 20 Credits.
• History of Music A, 15 Credits.
• Instrumental Studies A, 15 Credits.
• Practical Musicianship A, 10 Credits.
• Music Literacy B, 20 Credits.
• History of Music B, 15 Credits.
• Instrumental Studies B, 15 Credits.
• Practical Musicianship B, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of understanding of the music rudiment forms in the construction of music.
2. Demonstrate abilities to incorporate music aspects that constitute music theory knowledge.
3. Demonstrate the ability to solve problems affecting musicians and the music industry through various skills.
4. Demonstrate and apply methods and procedure within the music industry.
5. Apply ethics and demonstrate professionalism within the music industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Formation of Chords, intervals and progressions are acknowledged and applied.
• Melodic and rhythmic dictation is demonstrated.
• Musical styles are interpreted and a simple song is composed.
• Music notation is used to construct scales and write chords and chord progressions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Melodic and rhythmic dictation is demonstrated according to specified standards.
• In-depth knowledge of note values such as semi breve, minim, crotchet, quavers and semi quavers should are used in the keys of C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C are to be used in twelve bar rhythm.
• Various musical styles are interpreted and a song is composed according to music theory rudiments.
• Scales are applied and created, and chords and chord progressions are written according to music notation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Performing music piecesun/accompanied and differing in genre with accompaniment are chosen with suitable rhythm and phrasing, on a suitable tempo.
• The given time Signature, e.g. 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8 is played and observed.
• Key signatures e.g. C, G, F, D, Bb, A, E, Eb, Ab, B, F#, G and Bb major and their relative minors are identified and applied.
• Note values and rests of semi-breve, minim, crochet, quaver notes, crochet, quaver triplets and rests are identified, the dots and ties for all the above note values are included.
• Technical performance skills on a chosen instrument are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Informed staging is planned and performance is established according to given situations according to standard music industry practice.
• Music repertoire is rehearsed and performed according to variety including: any genres and original compositions.
• Elements and cultural contexts of music are described according to standard music industry practice.
• The choice of styles and genres are included from African, Europe, North America, South America, Australasia etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Ethical beliefs and practices, approving the right to freedom of enquiry and communication are reflected on according to moral beliefs.
• Compliant accountability integral in such freedom is demonstrated in terms of competency, objectivity, consistency, integrity and continual concern for the best interests of society and the music profession.
• Development of ethical integrity is demonstrated by relating ethical acts.
• Appropriate behaviour for qualified musicians is demonstrated and good relationships with their audience is displayed.

Integrated Assessment

Two forms of assessment will be conducted during the offering of this qualification, namely; formative and summative. Formative assessment will be conducted using tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance. The summative assessment will entail written and practical examinations as detailed in the various modules. Apart from written assessments, the focus is on choral performance assessed by inside and outside experts.