Institute of Music
Institute of Music

Bachelor Of Contemporary Music (Hons.)

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Approval Code R/212/6/0018; 03/2024
Accreditation Code A 9726
Classification BMus (Hons)
Subject Area Contemporary
Course Mode Full-time
Course Duration 3 years
Course Location Kuala Lumpur
Intakes January, May and September


The Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Hons) caters to the needs of those students who want a career in the popular music industry. By covering the key areas of Arranging, Technology, Performance, Recording and Music Business (but not neglecting other related studies such as contemporary music theory, ear training and composition), the programme will enable its graduates to pursue challenging and rewarding careers within the industry.

Assessments

Vary from course to course including:

  • Written exams.
  • Practical performance.
  • Recital / master class attendance.
  • Project-based coursework.

Candidates may be admitted into the music degree programs by one of these 2 paths:

A. Complete and pass all courses with a minimum of Grade C in the Foundation in Music program at UCSI University,

OR

B. Meet BOTH academic and music requirements below:

 

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must meet either of the following requirements:
 

Qualification
Academic Requirements
 
STPM
At least 2 principal passes with minimum CGPA of 2.0
 
A Level
2 principal passes
 
UEC
At least B grade in 5 subjects
 
UCSI Foundation Year  / Foundation programs from other higher learning institutions / National Matriculation/ Pre-U2 Singapore/ Diploma (Level 4 KKM)
Pass with minimum CGPA of 2.0
 
High/Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) / Canadian Grade 12 – title following various districts in Canada / Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation (CIMP)/ SAM / AUSMAT / SACE / TEE / HSC (NSW) / NTCE / WACE
Pass with a minimum of 60%
 
Or, other qualifications deemed equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency
 

 

MUSIC AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Performance Audition (Auditions are conducted at least 1 month before the start of the semester)
  • Duration: 15 minutes
  • Memorization is strongly encouraged for scholarship application
  • 3 contemporary pieces of contrasting styles (preferably contemporary styles: jazz, pop, rock, Latin, popular styles, etc.)
  • The performance must demonstrate ability to improvise in the given style
Notes:
  • String/woodwind/voice majors are required to bring along their own piano accompanist or request for one from the Institute. In this case, a fee will be charged. Contemporary music candidates may choose to use minus-one recordings to accompany their audition. Please bring your own laptop, tablet or other similar audio-playback device. The Institute will prepare a 1/8 – 1/8-inch audio connection.
  • Composition majors are required to submit a portfolio of compositions and pass the audition on a major instrument
Aural Diagnostic Test
  • Sight singing, repeating a melody and a rhythmic phrase from memory.
Theory Diagnostic Test
  • Topics include intervals, scales and key signatures, triads and 7th chords and its inversions, roman numeral analysis, time signatures, grouping of notes and rests, transposition, open score, cadences, lead sheet symbols and foreign music terms.

 

For international candidates: Candidate is given the provision to do a live audition for admissions. For more information, please check with your course counsellor/agent.

English Competency

  1. A score of 500 in Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 5.0 in International Language Testing System (IELTS) or MUET Band 3 or its equivalent
  2. Candidates from countries that use English as first language are given exemption from requirement (a); or
  3. Candidates who uses their academic requirement from institutions that uses English as the language of instruction are exempted from requirement (a) or
  4. A distinction (A+, A or A-) in the English Language subject at SPM/UEC level; or MUET Band 3
 

Note / Legend:

Discretion is given to the Head of School to deal with applicants who have results borderline to the Academic Requirements.

SPM Credit – 'A+' to 'C'
O-Level – 'A' to 'C'
UEC Credit – 'A1' to 'B6'
STPM principal – 'A' to 'C'
'A' Levels principal – 'A' to 'E'

 

Performing
Recording sessionist, lounge musician.
 
Teaching
Private, music institutions / centres.
 
Composing / arranging
Publishing, production, recording, advertising.
 
Music Technology
Production, recording, broadcasting.
 
Music Business
Management, marketing, administration, retailing and sales.
Core Courses
  • Choir 1-6 OR Orchestra 1-6
  • Modern Band 1-4
  • Recital Attendance 1-6
  • Masterclass Attendance 1-6
  • Music Theory 1-4
  • Aural Skills 1-4
  • Introduction to Popular Music History
  • Malaysian Music
  • Popular Music History 1-2
  • Music Research Methodology
  • Music and Popular Culture
  • Notation Software and MIDI
  • Music Technology 1-2
  • Music Industry in Malaysia
  • Major Instrument 1-4
  • Final Year Performance 1-2 OR Final Year Research Project 1-2
  • Internship
  • University Reading and Writing
ELECTIVES
 
Students are required to complete 19 credit hours from the selection.
Music Electives
  • Minor Instrument 1-4
  • English Diction
  • Introduction to Music History
  • World Music
  • Music and Film
  • Composing and Arranging
  • Song Writing
  • Jingle Writing
  • Instrumentation
  • Conducting Skills
  • Improvisation Skills
  • Piano Pedagogy 1 & 2
  • Contemporary Repertoire Studies
  • Sequencing, Sampling and Synthesis
Non-Music Electives
  • Introduction to Mass Communication
  • Introduction to Public Speaking
  • Introduction to Psychology 1-2
  • Introduction to Sociology

 

General Courses (MPU) are compulsory for all students.
U1
– For Malaysian students:
  1. Ethnic Relations
  2. Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation
– For foreign students:
  1. Malaysian Studies
  2. Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3
U2
– University life
U3
– Malaysian Experiential Tourism
U4
– Extra-curricular Learning Experience 1 to 3
All information is correct at the time of upload and UCSI University reserves the right to make amendments without prior notice.