Yearbooks

Programme: Bachelor of Music [BMus]

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
01132003 Faculty of Humanities Department: School of the Arts
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 4 years Total credits: 500 NQF level:  08

Programme information

This programme is aimed at the acquisition of specialist music skills and knowledge. The programme can be compiled in such a way that, on its completion, students are qualified for a wide variety of music-related occupations, including the following: solo performer, orchestral or chamber musician, music teacher at all levels (for individual and group tuition), musicologist, music technologist, entrepreneur and impressario.

Admission requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

APS

(Grade 11)

APS

(NSC/IEB completed)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

30

28

Music:

4 (50-59%)

or

Grade VII Practical and

Grade V Theory (UNISA/Royal Schools/Trinity)

or

a comparable standard

and

practical audition and theoretical test passed with 60%

 

* To retain admission, you must obtain an APS of at least 28 in the NSC. 

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

You will be considered for final admission to degree studies if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of your chosen programme.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

  • Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
  • Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
  • Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

 

Additional requirements

Departmental selection is required for this programme.

Admission is subject to tests in the first instrument, music theory and harmony. Level 4 in Music as a Grade 12 subject or Grade VII Practical and Grade V Theory (Unisa, Royal Schools, Trinity) serves as a guideline of the expected standard.

Other programme-specific information

  • Students with an achievement level of 5 or 6 or 7 for English Home Language or an achievement level of 6 or 7 for English First Additional Language or the foreign qualification equivalence, as per the conversion table, may apply for an exemption from ALL 110 and 125.
  • MME 400 can only be taken if the first instrument is piano, violin, jazz or classical voice.
  • MEI 403 is performing art, with a public concert of 1 hour in the second semester.
  • The choice of instrument is based on the availability of an appropriate teacher. 
  • In order to be admitted to MTI 100 (Second instrument) in any instrument other than percussion, organ, harpsichord or singing, a student should have reached at least Unisa Grade V or a comparable standard in that instrument; in the case of organ, harpsichord, percussion and singing, admission is at the discretion of the head of the department.

Practical music
Students choose a first and a second instrument from the following: Voice, piano, keyboard, organ, harpsichord, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, harp, guitar, recorder, saxophone and ensemble. Jazz and/or classical streams are allowed, according to availability.

Attendance modules

  1. In addition to the modules mentioned in the learning programme, students are obliged to attend the weekly recital classes and  seminars.
  2. It is compulsory for all music students to be a member of a departmental ensemble, choir and/or the UP Symphony Orchestra and UP Symphonic Wind Orchestra.
  3. Unsatisfactory attendance at the performance classes, seminars and compulsory ensembles and choirs as stipulated under (i) and (ii) may, at the discretion of the head of the department, lead to a lowering of the student’s practical or any one academic module’s year mark.

Promotion to next study year

Admission to the second year of study

Must obtain at least 108 credits for music modules at year level 1.

Admission to the third year of study

Obtain all credits at level 1 (142 credits), as well as at least 130 credits for music modules at yr level 2.

Admission to the fourth year of study

Must obtain all credits at level 2 (155 credits), as well as at least 110 credits for music modules at yr level 3.

Pass with distinction

In order to be awarded the degree with distinction, a student has to obtain a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded) for the final-year modules.

General information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project

The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

Minimum credits: 132

Fundamental modules

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    All major-, minor-, chromatic scales, modes, intervals, 3 and 4 part chords in all inversions, primary and secondary chord progressions, basic modulations, rhythmic and melodic sight-singing/dictation, based on the movable doh system, in Western and African music.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    This module is intended to equip students with a) language and research skills, academic writing, assignment writing, plagiarism, referencing, and an introduction to Musicology, and b) providing music students with knowledge and skills for optimal development as performing artists. Specific strategies for health promotion as well as the prevention of injury will be focused on. A variety of health-related topics will include: the role of nutrition and rest, dealing with stress, music performance anxiety, musculoskeletal health and hearing health.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Technical work, solo recital including ensemble playing, and sight-reading.
    In all instruments: Technical work, sight reading, performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles, and chamber/ensemble works comprising 25% of repertoire selection. Compulsory is the performance of a South African (solo or ensemble) composition of an acceptable standard.
    In jazz: Students enrolled for MEI 100 (jazz), must take MME 100 (jazz) & MTI 100 (jazz ensemble).

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    *Requires knowledge of music notation.
    Baroque, Classical and Introduction to Jazz: A historical musicological approach to the development and contexts of Western art music during the Baroque and Classical era, and an introduction to the history of jazz, through in-depth critical listening and reading of representative major composers, musical genres, styles and forms.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    Classical and jazz: Melody, harmonic concepts, diatonic triads, cadences, diatonic quartads, secondary dominants, contrapuntal techniques in a two-part texture, phrase structures, one-part, binary, ternary forms; inventions and variation forms.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Piano: The methodology of basic elements of piano tuition as well as relevant repertoire up to grade 3 level of all recognised examination boards. Evaluation of beginner and technical books for beginner tuition.
    Jazz: Technical skills and methods relevant to jazz improvisation, common forms and chord sequences, elements of style and repertoire. (Compulsory with MEI 100 (jazz))
    Classical voice: International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for Italian; Italian diction for singers; practice methods; physiology and anatomy of the vocal mechanism; vocal hygiene; methodological concepts such as dynamic body alignment and breathing for singing; Baroque repertoire studies.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    This module introduces music students to develop their own in-depth understanding of both music and learning. Students will also explore levels of formal, nonformal, and enculturative music learning to understand musical identity in different world cultures and global music environments.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    In all instruments: Technical work, sight reading, recital pieces of contrasting styles.
    In Jazz: Repertoire, stylistic considerations, instrumental technique and performance demands for successful participation in a jazz ensemble. 

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Minimum credits: 138

Select one elective music modules at year level 2.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    All major-, minor-, chromatic-, whole tone-, pentatonic scales, modes, intervals, 3 and 4 part chords in all inversions, recognition of chromatic chord progressions and improvisation, modulations, rhythmic and melodic sight-singing/dictation based on the movable doh system, in Western and African music.

    View more

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Technical work, solo recital including ensemble playing, and sight-reading.
    In all instruments: Technical work, sight reading, performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles, and chamber/ensemble works comprising 25% of repertoire selection. Compulsory is the performance of a South African (solo or ensemble) composition of an acceptable standard.
    In jazz: Students enrolled for MEI 200 (jazz), must take MME 200 (jazz)
     

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    *Requires knowledge of music notation.
    The Romantic era, Twentieth century Art music, Jazz: A historical musicological approach to the development and contexts of Western art music that spans the Romantic era, twentieth century, and jazz, through in-depth critical listening and reading of representative major composers, musical genres, styles and forms.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Modulation with any key relationship, general chromatic chords, complex chord structures, contrapuntal techniques in a three-part texture, rondo form, sonata form, canon, fugue.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    Piano: The methodology of basic elements of piano tuition as well as relevant repertoire up to grade 3 level of all recognised examination boards. Evaluation of beginner and technical books for beginner tuition.
    Jazz: Technical skills and methods relevant to jazz improvisation, common forms and chord sequences, elements of style and repertoire. (Compulsory with MEI 100 (jazz)
    Classical voice: International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for German; German diction for singers; phases of phonation; reducing tension in the vocal mechanism; voice classification and opera styles; singing recitativo; classical vs contemporary singing; Classical repertoire studies.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    This module will direct students to develop their understanding of the embodied nature of music learning and knowing, enabling them to create inspiring music experiences in a teaching and learning environment.
     

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    In all instruments: Technical work, sight reading, and recital pieces of contrasting styles.
    In Jazz: Repertoire, stylistic considerations, instrumental technique and performance demands for successful participation in a jazz ensemble.

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  • Module content:

    Programme-specific execution of a community-related project.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Composition and orchestration
    Digital notation and introduction to orchestration techniques.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection.

    This module is the start of a series of modules that form part of an elective programme aiming to prepare, equip and train the student with music-technology related skills and specialisations. It is designed to provide a thorough introductory audio-related engineering and programming skillset for the candidate. The student enrolled in the elective programme does so with the intention to be trained as an expert in the music-technology field and related disciplines.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Specialisation in either Western, African or jazz ensemble music – the history, general repertoire knowledge, collaborative performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles.
    In Jazz: Jazz styles, analysis and improvisation concepts through practice and performance of relevant jazz repertoire.
     

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Minimum credits: 120

Select one elective music modules at year level 3.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Technical work, solo recital including ensemble playing, and sight-reading.
    In all instruments: Technical work, sight reading, performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles, and chamber music/ensemble works comprising 25% of examination repertoire selections. Compulsory is the performance of a South African (solo or ensemble) composition of an acceptable standard.
    In jazz: Prerequisite is MEI 200 (jazz).

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    *Requires knowledge of music notation.
    The twentieth-century. A historical musicological approach to the development and contexts of music in the 20th century, including Western Art music, Indigenous Art music, Pop and Jazz, through in-depth critical listening and reading of representative major composers, musical genres, styles and forms.

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  • Module content:

    This module provides guidelines and opportunities so that students can become successful music educators, leading them to choose appropriate content, teaching strategies and skills in order to teach in a variety of milieus, communities and contexts. Opportunities are provided for you to grow your potential as musician and as music educator.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    Introduction to acoustic and electroacoustic compositional practices, advanced notation, film scoring and vocal writing.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Specialisation in either Western, African or jazz ensemble music – the history, general repertoire knowledge, collaborative performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles.
    In Jazz: Jazz styles, analysis and improvisation concepts through practice and performance of relevant jazz repertoire. Prerequisite is MME 200 (jazz) and MEI 200 (jazz).

    View more

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection.

    This module is the second in a series of modules that form part of an elective programme aiming to prepare, equip and train the student with music-technology related skills and specialisations. It is designed to provide a thorough, post-introductory audio-related engineering and programming skillset for the candidate. The student enrolled in the elective programme does so with the intention to be trained as an expert in the music-technology field and related disciplines.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Classical theory: Procedures of Romanticism
    Jazz theory: Analysis and theory of contemporary jazz

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    An overview of music entrepreneurship by exploring concepts such as entrepreneurship, macro-and micro economic environments, how to create a business venture, project management, marketing, writing a business plan, basic accounting and financial management. It aims to prepare students for a portfolio career approach by managing the many facets of being a musician.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Piano: Advanced elements of tuition. The schools of technique, rubato and agogics, practice methods, memory function, study of the repertoire of all style periods up to Teachers’ Licentiate level of all recognised examination boards.
    Classical voice: International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) for French; French diction for singers; general musicianship; stage presence; professional collaboration; introductory concepts of singing pedagogy; Romantic repertoire studies.

    View more

  • Module content:

    This module provides guidelines and opportunities so that students can become successful music educators, leading them to choose appropriate content, teaching strategies and skills in order to teach in a variety of milieus, communities and contexts. Opportunities are provided for you to grow your potential as musician and as music educator.

    View more

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection


    An introduction into the field of Music Psychology with an emphasis on the science of Musical Learning. The module will focus on musical development; the neurophysiology and plasticity of the musical brain; motivation for learning; and, the role of practice. The contents of this module will provide insight into students' own and musical experiences and provide a context for improving various aspects their musicianship.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    In all instruments: Technical work, sight reading and recital pieces of contrasting styles.

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Minimum credits: 120

  • Select two elective modules to the value of 80 credits. 

Only one of MEI 400 or MEI 403 may be selected.

Core modules

Elective modules

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection.

    Portfolio of acoustic or electroacoustic compositions.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    In Chamber Music: Specialisation in either Western, African or jazz ensemble music – historic background, collaborative instrumental performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles.
    In Jazz: Jazz styles, analysis and advanced improvisation concepts through practice and performance of relevant jazz repertoire. Jazz performance students must take MEI 403.
    Prerequisite is MSC 300 (jazz).
    In Music Therapy: An introduction to music therapy theory and practice.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection.

    Aspects of music technology: This module is the third and final in a series of modules that form part of an elective programme aiming to prepare, equip and train the student with music-technology related skills and specialisations. It is designed to provide an advanced and thorough, audio-related engineering and programming skillset for the candidate. The student enrolled in the elective programme does so with the intention to be trained as an expert in the music-technology field and related disciplines.

    View more

  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Technical work, solo recital including ensemble playing, and sight-reading.
    In all instruments: Technical work, sight-reading, performance skills, recital pieces of contrasting styles, and chamber music/ensemble works comprising 25% of examination repertoire selections. Compulsory is the performance of a South African (solo or ensemble) composition of an acceptable standard.
    In jazz: Prerequisite is MCS 300 (jazz) and MEI 300 (jazz)

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Public recital of a combination of solo (75%) and ensemble (25%) works.
    In all instruments: Performance and stage deportment skills, memorisation techniques, June – 30 minutes test recital, November – 60 minutes public recital comprising contrasting solo works of an advanced technical standard. Chamber music compositions have to constitute 25% of the programme content. Compulsory is the inclusion of a South African (solo or ensemble) composition of an appropriate standard.
    In jazz: Prerequisite is MCS 300 (jazz) and MEI 300. Jazz performance students must take MCS 401.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Philosophy of Music: An historical and systematic musicological approach to the Philosophy of Music through in-depth critical reading of representative major philosophers over time, from the Ancient Greeks to the present, as well as critical scrutiny of concurrent musical development.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection. 
    Classical theory: Capita selecta: Procedures of the twentieth century.
    Jazz theory: Analysis and theory of contemporary jazz

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection 
    *Compulsory membership of UP concert choir or Tuks Camerata
    Practical and theoretical aspects of choir conducting.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection

    Piano: Advanced elements of tuition. The interpretation of style elements from the Baroque period to contemporary repertoire with focus on the Baroque and Classical tuition, study of Classical and Baroque repertoire Gr 7 and 8 level of all recognised examination boards.
    Classical voice: Advanced elements of tuition (continuance of MME 100, 200 & 300). Philosophy of teaching voice; practicing and self-regulation; teaching young voices; teaching breath management, resonance, registration, jaw and tongue position; expressive singing through use of the text; twentieth-century repertoire studies.

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  • Module content:

    *Closed – requires departmental selection
    Philosophical grounding and didactics of music education. The module is designed for subject specialists to think critically and deeply about music teaching and learning. Your knowledge and practical teaching skills will be enhanced through opportunities of community music engagement.
     

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  • Module content:

    The aim of the module is to present a broad overview of how psychological research, models and theories have been used to explain a range of musical behaviours including the development of 
    musical ability and expertise, musical performance, emotional responses to music, and music listening behaviours.
    Requirement: An interest in psychology, and prior experience in formal music training or experience in choir singing.

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Regulations and rules
The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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