Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music

Purpose: This Postgraduate qualification in Music is designed to provide learners with an in-depth basis of music history, theory and practice in a specialised field to prepare them, not only to become better musicians and educators, but also for further research-based postgraduate study at Level 9. It will thus develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of various aspects of Music. The structured modules are in line with the development of academic research in this field and also with the demand for academically qualified practitioners of Music. Learners will acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be competent and successful as musicians, educators, and researchers.

Rationale: Music is a basic mode of human affection and cognition that is central to enculturation, social formation, and the economy. The responsible management of this fundamental cultural and economic resource requires professionals with advanced training in a variety of musical fields like education, (ethno)musicology, music technology, African music, church music, theory, and performance. The training of educators and choir conductors is emphasized as this is where South Africa's musical need is most urgent. Teaching-learning objectives, content, and methods are aligned with practices approved by the South African Society for Research in Music, the International Society of Music Educators, and the Pan-African Society of Music Educators.