City Varsity

Bachelor of Arts in Sound and Music Technology

Culture and Arts - Music

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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose

The Bachelor of Arts in Sound and Music Technology has the following specific purposes:

  1. Introduction to Sound and Music Technology: Provide in-depth knowledge and practical experience in the field, allowing learners to understand the environment and theory of sound and music technology.

  2. Contextualization of Information: Enable learners to contextualize new information and technology within sound engineering and technology fields theoretically.

  3. Research and Critical Thinking: Develop research methodology, critical thinking, and creativity within the discipline of sound and music technology, laying the academic foundation for applying knowledge practically.

  4. Communication Skills: Develop and enhance communication skills for effectively transferring information and ideas within the sound and music technology industry through professional communication, presentations, and written reports.

  5. Industry Relevance: Encourage lifelong learning in the sound and music technology field to stay current with industry trends, fostering practical techniques based on new knowledge.

  6. Broad Education: Provide a well-rounded education in sound and music technology, preparing learners for various professions crucial to societal development.

  7. Critical and Creative Thinking: Foster critical thinking, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills applicable to the sound and music technology industry.

  8. Citizenship: Produce learners who understand critical citizenship principles in addition to their creative and academic capabilities.

Rationale

The rationale behind offering the Bachelor of Arts in Sound and Music Technology is as follows:

  1. Industry Significance: The South African entertainment industry is a key strategic growth sector, requiring capacity-building initiatives for growth and transformation, making tertiary education in this field imperative.

  2. Specializations: The qualification offers specializations aligned with current industry needs, providing learners with theoretical foundations and practical modules for a professional environment introduction.

  3. Technological Advancement: Emphasis is placed on developing theories and techniques to keep abreast of advancements in the music and film industry, equipping learners to handle technological changes.

  4. Vertical Articulation: The qualification lays a foundation for further study, enabling learners to pursue Honours and Master's qualifications nationally and internationally.

  5. Career Opportunities: Equips learners with conceptual competencies and professional skills for careers in areas such as post-production, band recording, and production and arrangement within the sound and music technology field.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an intermediate knowledge on business operations within the sound and music technology field.
  2. Apply the theoretical understanding of research methodology.
  3. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) programming skills incorporating production skills and techniques as well as being able to apply this knowledge practically.
  4. The theoretical and practical skills in music composition related to sound and music technology field is applied.
  5. Demonstrate theoretical and practical understanding of audio editing and mixing skills including the context for visual programme material.
  6. Demonstrate an advanced practical understanding of location recording skills including an understanding of the context of location recording as well as being able to apply this knowledge practically.
  7. Apply theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of recording, editing and mixing skills and techniques.
  8. Apply advanced practical understanding of Live Sound Reinforcement techniques as required in the sound and music technology field.
  9. Create and design sound for the gaming environment as well as being able to apply this knowledge practically.
  10. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of audio theories, and the practical understanding and application of these theories within the sound and music technology field.
  11. Understand and apply the principles of surround sound and to in the sound and music technology context.
  12. Develop an insight into the communication, media and cultural situation in South, and Southern Africa, and the world.
  13. Show an understanding of cultural perspective in a personal and societal context.
  14. Develop an understanding of the sound and music business with relation to its legal implications.
  15. Develop a historical context of music in the creative arts.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

ELO 1: Business Development

  • Apply heuristic techniques in developing new sound and music technology related business ideas.
  • Develop business plans, narratives, and marketing strategies related to Sound and Music technology field at an intermediate level.

ELO 2: Theoretical Understanding

  • Grasp the theoretical and philosophical underpinnings of the area of study.
  • Demonstrate individual study capacity through research projects and case studies.
  • Present findings orally and in writing in academic English.

ELO 3: Advanced MIDI Protocol

  • Apply advanced MIDI protocol through practical assessments.
  • Demonstrate programmed music construction and understanding of musical context.
  • Learn advanced sampling and synthesis through case study and practical assessment.

ELO 4: Western Art Classical Music

  • Demonstrate knowledge of Western Art Classical music conventions and composition.
  • Analyze historically significant scores in modern media contexts.
  • Understand music theory through continuous assessment.

ELO 5: Historic Perspective

  • Analyse historic perspectives through written assignments and practical assessment.
  • Develop advanced mixing techniques and auditory sensibility.

ELO 6: Location Recording

  • Understand location recording workflows and investigate advanced workflows.
  • Develop recording techniques and perspective through practical assessments.

ELO 7: Band and Instrument Recording

  • Develop recording techniques across genres.
  • Analyze stylistic conventions in modern recording techniques.
  • Explore and apply advanced recording techniques.

ELO 8: Resource Management

  • Develop troubleshooting and maintenance techniques.
  • Refine live mixing techniques and practice time management.
  • Introduce neighbouring fields of practice and apply workflow for live music environments.

ELO 9: Game Design

  • Apply resource management within game design.
  • Design sound effects and interactive soundtracks for games.

ELO 10: Mastering Practices

  • Identify and emulate mastering practice nuances.
  • Analyze traditional mastering techniques in a modern context.
  • Apply industry standards in practical assessments.

ELO 11: Surround Sound Principles

  • Analyze and define surround sound principles.
  • Conduct mixing and encoding into various surround formats.

ELO 12: Historical Analysis

  • Ensure historical analysis and compare artistic development.
  • Understand socio-economic influences in modern cultural contexts.

ELO 13: Personal Development

  • Demonstrate personal development and analysis.
  • Explore societal constructs and related philosophy.

ELO 14: Law in Sound and Music Technology

  • Explore law through case studies and apply to business praxis.
  • Apply law within the field to current contexts.

ELO 15: Sound Recording Practice

  • Explore international and national sound recording practices.
  • Develop sensitivity to current artistic trends in media.

Integrated Assessment

  • Learning and assessment integrated throughout the qualification.
  • Continuous formative assessment to provide feedback.
  • Summative assessment for judgement of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Assignments designed to meet integrated assessment requirements.

Evaluation of learner performance

  • Demonstrate applied competence and criterion-referenced assessment.
  • Ensure learners understand assessment criteria for recognition of prior learning.

Innovative Methods

  • Integrate a wide range of knowledge, skills, competencies, and attitudes.
  • Use innovative methods for assessment.
  • Give due recognition to appropriate assessment criteria and methods.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
360
SAQA Source
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City Varsity
City Varsity
Description
City Varsity is a private higher education institution located in Cape Town, South Africa. It specializes in offering creative arts and media-related courses, including film and television production, animation, graphic design, sound engineering, and acting. City Varsity aims to provide students with practical skills and industry-relevant training to prepare them for careers in the creative arts and media industries. The institution offers both diploma and degree programs, and its courses are designed to be hands-on and industry-focused. City Varsity also provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, as well as opportunities for internships and industry placements.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.