What Is Music
Music is the art of arranging sounds in time through the elements of melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre. It is one of the universal cultural aspects of all human societies. General definitions of music include common elements such as pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and the sonic qualities of timbre and texture.
Entry Requirements To Study Course In South Africa
The departmental intake process is in accordance with the requirements for admission to any field of study, as specified in the General Regulations and in the regulations for the Faculty of Humanities. The admission requirements of both the University of Pretoria and the Faculty of Humanities have to be met for intake in the first year of study.
Closing date
- For applications: 30 June of the year preceding commencement of studies.
- Date of selection: July to August
- Disclosure of final results: 31 August of the year preceding commencement of studies (by phone or email).
The Selection Committee consists of the following members:
- The Head: Department of Music (ex officio)
- Two senior staff members of the Department of Music
- One senior student of the Department (Honours or Masters students)
Selection principles
- Only candidates who comply with the requirements set out in this document will be considered for selection.
- The best candidates will be selected taking into account academic performance, the level of practical and theoretical musical performance, and the availability of facilities and personnel.
Minimum requirements for school-leavers, university student transfers and international students:
(Also refer to the ‘Minimum admission requirements table’ and Annexure A in this document.)
Group 1: School-leavers
School-leavers include applicants who will matriculate in the year of application, as well as applicants who have already matriculated, but have never studied at a tertiary institution.
- School-leavers require a NSC with admission to degree studies.
- Applicants from designated groups who matriculated from historically disadvantaged schools are placed in accordance with the University’s commitment to improve diversity in the composition of the student body.
Group 2: University student transfers
University students who apply for a transfer to the Department of Music include applicants who already hold a tertiary qualification or applicants registered at UP for another field of study, but who have not yet obtained their degree. In both instances, a comprehensive academic achievement record is required. Applicants whose current field of study did not initially require an APS of 30, must include their National Senior Certificate with the tertiary academic record.
Group 3: International students
Foreign applicants’ academic qualifications must be equivalent to Grade 11 or Grade 12 of the South African NSC and they must comply with the minimum selection requirements (that is, 30 APS). A comprehensive academic record is required and applicants must be proficient in English.
Selection procedure
Candidates must take part in a practical audition and a written music theory test. The minimum skills level, as prescribed for the practical and theoretical components of the study of music, forms the basis for selection. The selection criteria are stated below:
- Performance on the candidate’s principal instrument:
- the performance should last about 15 minutes
- the programme must contain three works from different style periods
- standard: at least Grade VII, Unisa/Royal Schools/Trinity practical music examinations; or music as a NSC subject, Grade 12, of at least level 4 (i.e. 50-59%)
- A written test that will assess the candidate’s knowledge of elementary harmony
- standard: at least Grade V, Unisa/ Royal Schools/Trinity theory examinations; or music as a NSC subject, Grade 12, of at least level 4 (i.e. 50–59%)
- Departmental selection will be determined by both the practical and theoretical components of the audi
Final selection
- Minimum academic requirements as described above in the three groups and the attainment of the minimum skills level as described under the selection criteria above.
- The Department will contact students and inform them of the audition date as soon as the list has been received from the Student Administration.
- Student Administration will notify all applicants whether or not their application was successful by 31 August
Schools Offering Music In South Africa
1. The South African College of Music, Cape Town
2. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
3. The Shine School of Music, Randburg
4. Campus of Performing Arts (COPA), Midrand
5. University of Pretoria, Pretoria
6. Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch
7. Rhodes University, Grahamstown
What qualifications do you need to study music In South Africa ?
For a first undergraduate degree, you will usually need a minimum of two A levels or four Scottish Highers, but this varies between course providers. In addition, you normally require five GCSEs at grade C or above, including maths and English.
Do you need Grade 8 to study music university In South Africa ?
If you want to study music at university, you will normally need to be at least at grade 8 standard on your main instrument. If you play other instruments, it will often be an advantage, even if you are not at such a high grade on them.
What are the minimum entry requirements for such a study at Wits university?
Admission Requirements
The minimum Matric requirements (National Senior Certificate) for admission to the Civil and Environmental Engineering undergraduate programme is 36 points. For non NSC matriculants – minimum of 60% at the Higher Grade obtained for Mathematics, Physical Science and English.
Can you study music without matric In South Africa ?
The FET program has been specifically designed for those who are interested in pursuing a musical career but do not have a grade 12 (Matric Certificate). This program is an entry level program for the National Diploma Sound Engineering and Music Production.
What is the study of music called In South Africa ?
What is musicology? The word musicology literally means “the study of music,” encompassing all aspects of music in all cultures and all historical periods.
Can you major in music with no experience In South Africa ?
You do not need any experience in music. However, if by “major in music” you mean “performance” and/or “music education”, then no. Typically, you cannot enter a university, intending to major in music, without previous experience/training. Most institutions require an audition as part of the application process.