Syllabi

The Instrumental Music Studies Guidelines can be downloaded here: IMS Guidelines 2012

Syllabi from the Rhodes University Calendar 2012

FIRST YEAR

Music 1

Music 1 introduces students to compositional practices and an historical survey in Western Baroque and Classical music, and a theoretical and historical introduction to jazz. This includes an introduction to the key resource materials in music scholarship.

Ethnomusicology 1

Ethnomusicology 101 (Semester 1) introduces students to Ethnomusicology as it surveys music cultures of the world. Emphasis is on characteristics and functions of music within each cultural context.

Ethnomusicology 102 (Semester 2) surveys indigenous music of Africa and South African popular music.

Instrumental Music Studies 1 for BMus and BA/BSc

This includes the study of a major instrument, ensemble training (in the selected instrument), aural training and a paper on Music Literature. Syllabi for the various instruments are available from the Department of Music. The “instrument” includes voice and can belong to any style, period or culture. Choice is subject to the approval of the Head of Department.

Sound Technology 1

Fundamentals of studio recording techniques, utilising both the analogue and digital protocols, and the installation and operation of public address equipment.

SECOND YEAR

Music 2

Music 2 introduces students to compositional practices and an historical survey in Western Romantic music, as well as more advanced theoretical and historical aspects of jazz.

Ethnomusicology 2

Semester 1 concentrates on readings in history of thought, theory and method in Ethnomusicology with emphasis on contemporary issues within the discipline. Semester 2 introduces students to Applied Ethnomusicology and includes a community outreach component. (Ethnomusicology 2/3 may be a combined course with Ethnomusicology 2 content being taught alternatively with Ethnomusicology 3 from one year to the next).

Instrumental Music Studies 2 for BMus and BA/BSc

THIRD YEAR

Music 3

Music 3 comprises modules covering compositional practices and an historical survey of twentieth century Western art music, as well as modules in jazz historiography, arranging and composition.

Ethnomusicology 3

Semester 1 concentrates on readings in field research methods, writing of field-notes and interviewing techniques, to include hands-on use of video and audio recording equipment and preparation of a fieldwork project proposal. Semester 2 involves execution of the fieldwork project and write-up of results. Special modules on areas of interest in cultural analysis may be incorporated. (Ethnomusicology 2/3 may be a combined course with Ethnomusicology 3 content being taught alternatively with Ethnomusicology 2 from one year to the next).

Instrumental Music Studies 3 for BMus

Instrumental Music Studies 3 for BA/BSc

As a major in the interdisciplinary degree, this includes the study of a major instrument (60%) and an academic component (40%). The academic component, which replaces the ensemble performance requirement, may include selected topics drawn from performance practice, repertoire, teaching method or journal research.

FOURTH YEAR

Students must do FIVE papers or their equivalent in credit points (5). All choices are subject to the approval of the Head of Department.

Paper 1: Extended essay (2)

The candidate is required to submit an appropriately researched extended essay of not more than 10 000 words on a subject approved by the Head of Department. Three copies of the extended essay must be presented, suitably bound.

Paper 2: Full Recital (2)

A public recital of not less than 70 minutes. Repertoire subject to the approval of the Head of Department after consultation with the full-time staff.

Paper 3: Full Composition portfolio (2)

The portfolio must consist of a minimum of 20 minutes of music, representing at least two of the following categories:

1. Solo Instrument.

2. Chamber Ensemble including Choir (up to 10 instruments or Double Choir of 8 voices).

3. Voice or solo instrument with accompaniment.

4. Orchestra (Chamber or Symphony) /Large Jazz Ensemble.

Paper 4: Analysis 4 (1)

Advanced analytical projects in Western art music and/or jazz and/or African music.

Paper 5: Musicology 4 (1)

Musicological theories and their application, which may be linked to the topic chosen in Paper 1.

Paper 6: Ethnomusicology 4 (1)

Semester 1 is a readings seminar with a focus on contemporary theory in Ethnomusicology and

Cultural Studies. Students begin work on a chosen research project which culminates in preparation of an extended essay based on the research project in Semester 2.

Paper 7: Sound Technology (1)

Studio recording; basic acoustic composition; editing, sampling and synthesis; electro-acoustic

composition.

Paper 8: Short Composition Portfolio (1)

Individual project(s) in composition leading to the submission of a short, varied portfolio of completed work. Minimum composition time of 10 minutes.

Paper 9: Short public performance (1)

A public recital of not less than 35 minutes with works approved by the Head of Department after consultation with the full-time staff.

Paper 10: Instrumental Music Studies 4 (1)

The study of a major instrument and ensemble training. No public recital is attached to this course.

Repertoire subject to the approval of the Head of Department after consultation with the full-time staff.

Paper 11: Conducting (1)

Fundamental techniques for use in ensemble, choral and orchestral conducting.

Paper 12: Chamber Music Recital (1)

A chamber music performance of not less than 30 minutes with works and ensembles approved by the Head of Department after consultation with the fulltime staff.

Paper 13: Concerto Performance (1)

Public performance of a concerto or movements thereof as approved by the Head of Department after consultation with the full-time staff.

Paper 14: Music Education (1)

Music education research topics as approved by the Head of Department.

Paper 15: Arts Management (1)

This course provides an overview of arts management using dialogue, research and practical illustration through informal and interactive sessions. The objectives are to equip the student with vital skills required in the arts environment, both nationally and internationally.

Paper 16: Music & the Media (½)

The writing of articles and reviews for newspapers and review journals.

Paper 17: Acoustics (½)

Scientific principles of acoustics.

Paper 18:Instrumental Technology (½)

Instrument maintenance and repair.

NB. Not all fourth year/honours papers are necessarily available every year.

HISTORY AND APPRECIATION OF MUSIC

This course is a general introduction to Music. It focuses on elementary studies in Western European music, the development of Afro-American jazz and popular music and its influence on southern Africa; studies in South African protest music; studies in traditional African music; studies in social history of Rock music. All modules are not necessarily offered each year.

ETHNOMUSICOLOGY 1

This course introduces students to the cross cultural study of music and culture and to the discipline of Ethnomusicology. It explores music in human life in a variety of cultural contexts, from indigenous to modern hybrids, and in various locations around the world. Topics include music as communication, music and identity, music and protest/social change, music and ritual, popular music and the music industry.

MUSIC HONOURS (BA OR BSc)

Curriculum and syllabi are identical to BMus fourth year.

BASIC MUSIC LITERACY

A one-year course in the rudiments of music and an introduction to four-part harmony. This course is compulsory for students who need to acquire the necessary theoretical background and skills required for the formal study of music. On the recommendation of the Head of Department this course may be taken in conjunction with Instrumental Music Studies 1. Progress to Instrumental Music Studies 2 is also determined by the successful completion of this course. This course is not accredited.