Overview
Versatility is the hallmark of the Institute's contemporary music programme and students acquire the definitive hands-on experience in myriad aspects of music from pop to rock, blues and jazz. As a contemporary music student, you will develop the aesthetic vision and the analytical bent to navigate the ever-evolving professional music environment.... You will interact with faculty who are leading performers, composers, arrangers and producers in the music industry. And when the time comes to make your mark, you won’t just adapt to change– you’ll drive it.
* This programme received a 100% graduate employability score in the Ministry of Higher Education’s Graduate Employability 2020. (Source: ge.mohe.gov.my/)
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:
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
- 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 rhythmic phrase from memory; singing in intervals, scale & trials.
Sample Questions (Click Here)
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 Credits – 'A+' to 'C'O-Level Credits – 'A' to 'C'
UEC Credits – 'A1' to 'B6'
STPM principal – 'A' to 'C'
A-Level principal – 'A' to 'E'
English Language Requirements
For Local Students
MUET
Band 3SPM English Language
Grade B+SPM English Language 1119/O-Level/IGCSE
Grade CUEC English Language
Grade A2- 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
IELTS
Band 5.0Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests
154TOEFL IBT
42 (500 in PBT)Pearson Test of English
47MUET
Band 3- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Ethnic Relations
- Islamic Civilisation and Asian Civilisation
- Malaysian Studies
- Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3
Performing
Teaching
Composing / arranging
Music Technology
Music Business
