Institute of Music
Institute of Music

Bachelor Of Contemporary Music (Hons.)

Connect with us

Approval Code R2/212/6/0018; 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 equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian government
AND
Passed the music audition

 

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
Theory Diagnostic Test
  • Topics include intervals; scales and key signatures; triads & 7th chords and its inversions; roman numeral or lead sheet symbols analysis; time signatures, grouping of notes & rests and cadences.
    Sample Questions (Click Here)

 

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.

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-Level principal – 'A' to 'E'
 
English Language Requirements
For Local Students
  • English language competency requirements are as follows: Minimum grade of B+ in SPM English Language; or a minimum grade of C in SPM English Language 1119/O-Level English/IGCSE; or a minimum grade of A2 in UEC English language; or minimum Band 3 of MUET.
  • In the event that the English language requirements are not met, applicants will be required to take the Basic English and English Foundation for in-sessional academic enhancement concurrently with the programme.
For International Students
  • English language competency requirements are as follows: Minimum Band 3 of MUET; or minimum score of 5.0 in IELTS; or minimum score of 42 in TOEFL iBT (500 in PBT); or minimum score of 47 in Pearson Test of English; or minimum score of 154 in Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests.
  • Applicants who have an academic qualification from a higher learning institution which uses the English Language as a medium of instruction may be granted an exemption from the University English Language requirements.
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/Concert Choir 1-4
  • Orchestra 1-4
  • Modern Band 1-4
  • Recital Attendance 1-5
  • Masterclass Attendance 1-5
  • Music Theory 1-3
  • Aural Skills 1-3
  • Malaysian Music
  • Rock Music History
  • Jazz Music History
  • Writing in Music
  • Music Research Methodology
  • Music and Popular Culture
  • Introduction to Music Technology
  • Live Sound
  • Music Production Techniques
  • Principles of Teaching
  • Major Instrument 1-4
  • Short Semester Major Instrument
  • Final Year Performance/Final Year Research Project 1-2
  • Minor Instrument 1-2
  • Class Piano 1-2
  • Music Industry in Malaysia
  • Internship
 
ELECTIVES
Students are required to complete 19 credit hours from the selection.

 

  • English Diction
  • Italian Diction
  • French Diction
  • German Diction
  • Analysis
  • Counterpoint
  • Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century Music
  • Instrumentation
  • Conducting Skills
  • Keyboard Skills
  • Vocal Pedagogy
  • Vocal Literature 1-2
  • Opera Workshop
  • Piano Pedagogy 1-2
  • Music History 1-2
  • History Seminar
  • Contemporary Repertoire Studies
  • Sequencing, Sampling and Synthesis
  • Kodály Method 1-2
  • World Music
  • Music and Film
  • Song Writing
  • Jingle Writing
  • Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
  • Film Scoring
  • Minor Instrument 3-4
  • Introduction to Mass Communication
  • Introduction to Public Speaking
  • Introduction to Psychology 1
 

     

    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.