Bachelor Of Contemporary Music (Hons.)

Highlights about course

Program Level

Bachelor

Duration

3 Years

Tuition Fees

RM 121,530

Intake

January, June, October

Overview

Versatility is the hallmark of the Institute’s contemporary music programme and students acquire the definitive hands-on experience in myriad aspects of music from pop to rock, blues and jazz. As a contemporary music student, you will develop the aesthetic vision and the analytical bent to navigate the ever-evolving professional music environment. You will interact with faculty who are leading performers, composers, arrangers and producers in the music industry. And when the time comes to make your mark, you won’t just adapt to change– you’ll drive it.

About the Programme

 

Assessments

Vary from course to course including:

  • Written exams.
  • Practical performance.
  • Recital / master class attendance.
  • Project-based coursework.

 

Entry Requirements

 

Candidates may be admitted into the music degree programs by one of these 2 paths:

A. Complete and pass all courses with a minimum of Grade C in the Foundation in Music program at UCSI University,

OR

B. Meet BOTH academic and music requirements below:

Academic Requirements

Candidates must meet either of the following requirements:

​STPM

At least 2 principal passes with minimum CGPA of 2.0

A Level

minimum 2 D’s

​UEC

At least B grade in 5 subjects

​UCSI Foundation Year / Foundation programs from other higher learning institutions / National Matriculation/ Pre-U2 Singapore/ Diploma (Level 4 KKM)

Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.0

​High/Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) / Canadian Grade 12 – title following various districts in Canada / Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation (CIMP)/ SAM / AUSMAT / SACE / TEE / HSC (NSW) / NTCE / WACE

Pass with a minimum of 60%

Or, Other equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian government

AND, Passed the music audition

Music Audition Requirements

Performance Audition (Auditions are conducted at least 1 month before the start of the semester)
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Memorization is strongly encouraged for scholarship application
  • 3 contemporary pieces of contrasting styles (preferably contemporary styles: jazz, pop, rock, Latin, popular styles, etc.)
  • The performance must demonstrate ability to improvise in the given style

Notes:

  • String/woodwind/voice majors are required to bring along their own piano accompanist or request for one from the Institute. In this case, a fee will be charged. Contemporary music candidates may choose to use minus-one recordings to accompany their audition. Please bring your own laptop, tablet or other similar audio-playback device. The Institute will prepare a 1/8 – 1/8-inch audio connection.
  • Composition majors are required to submit a portfolio of compositions and pass the audition on a major instrument
Aural Diagnostic Test
  • Sight singing; repeating a rhythmic phrase from memory; singing in intervals, scale & trials.
    Sample Questions (Click Here)
Theory Diagnostic Test
  • Topics include intervals; scales and key signatures; triads & 7th chords and its inversions; roman numeral or lead sheet symbols analysis; time signatures, grouping of notes & rests and cadences.
    Sample Questions (Click Here)

English Language Requirements

For Local Students
MUET

Band 3

SPM English Language

Grade B+

SPM English Language 1119/O-Level/IGCSE

Grade C

UEC English Language

Grade A2

  • In the event that the English language requirements are not met, applicants will be required to take the Basic English and English Foundation for in-sessional academic enhancement concurrently with the programme.
For International Students
Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill Online)

154

Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
(OET)(Conventional/Online)

200

IELTS

Band 5.0

TOEFL IBT

40

TOEFL ESSENTIALS (ONLINE)

7.5

PTE Academic / Academic (online)

47

MUET

Band 3.5

  • Applicants who have an academic qualification from a higher learning institution which uses the English Language as a medium of instruction may be granted an exemption from the University English Language requirements.

 

Courses Offered

 

Core Courses
  • Choir 1-5 or Orchestra 1-5
  • Modern Band 1-2
  • Recital Attendance 1-5
  • Masterclass Attendance 1-5
  • Music Theory 1-3
  • Aural Skills 1-3
  • Writing in Music
  • Malaysian Music
  • Music Research Methodology
  • Rock Music History
  • Jazz Music History
  • Music and Popular Culture
  • Principles of Teaching
  • Introduction to Music Technology
  • Live Sound
  • Music Production Techniques
  • Introduction to Music Marketing
  • Music Business in Malaysia
  • Short Semester Major Instrument
  • Major Instrument 1-4
  • Minor Instrument 1-2 or Class Piano 1-2
  • Final Year Performance 1-2 or Final Year Research Project 1-2
  • Internship
Electives
Students are required to complete 14 elective credit hours in total.

  • World Music
  • Music and Film
  • Film Scoring
  • Song Writing
  • Jingle Writing
  • Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
  • Introduction to Mass Therapy
  • Music and the Brain
  • Psychology of Music
  • Electronic Music Production
  • Minor Instrument 3-4
  • Modern Band 3-4
  • English Diction
  • French Diction
  • German Diction
  • Italian Diction
  • Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century
  • Analysis
  • Counterpoint
  • Instrumentation
  • Piano Pedagogy 1-2
  • Vocal Pedagogy
  • Vocal Literature 1-2
  • Conducting Skills
  • Keyboard Skills
  • Opera Workshop
  • String Pedagogy
  • Performance Practices
  • Music History 1-2
  • Piano Literature 1-2
  • Vocal Literature 1-2

Non Music Electives

  • Introduction to Mass Communication
  • Introduction to Public Speaking
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Fundamentals of Marketing
  • Fundamentals of Management
  • Basic Entrepreneurship
General Courses (MPU) are compulsory for all students.
For Malaysian students:

  1. Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations
    (Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban)
For International students:

  1. U1 – Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3
    (Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3)
All students:

  1. U1 – Philosophy and Contemporary Issues
    (Falsafah dan Isu Semasa)
  2. U2 – University Life
  3. U4 – Extra-Curricular Learning Experience 1-3

 

Career Opportunities

 

Performing

Recording sessionist, lounge musician.

Teaching

Private, music institutions / centres.

Composing / arranging

Publishing, production, recording, advertising.

Music Technology

Production, recording, broadcasting.

Music Business

Management, marketing, administration, retailing and sales.

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