Undergraduate Syllabi
FIRST YEAR
Music History and Theory 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 History and Theory 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
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.
THIRD YEAR
Music History and Theory 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
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.
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.
