Diploma in Music: Modules and Electives

This module helps students to develop their skills as performers in their major instrument. Lessons will be conducted in a weekly basis with College Faculty members so that the student can work towards a 15-20 minute performance Jury at the end of each semester, and a 30-minute recital at the end of the course. All lessons and studio classes are compulsory for students to attend.

This module is a compulsory pass/fail module based on attendance. Each week all students will attend a recital where colleagues will perform their current repertoire. Each recital will last for 30-45 minutes. Students must attend at least 90% of all recitals to pass each semester

This module explores classical repertoire specific for ensembles. Students will be paired into groups of 2-5 performers and perform at least 1 duo, trio, quartet, or quintet works and perform as a group at the end of the semester. All lessons and masterclasses are compulsory for students to attend for this module.

This module serves as an introduction to the history and philosphy of music education and covers basic principles of various pedagogical methods. Students learn the application of such methods in various settings including individual lessons, ensemble lessons, and general music classroom setting.

Music Theory modules are designed to help students understand the fundamental theories behind the constitution of music compositions from various periods styles. Students will choose any three of the following modules:

Music Theory I: Rudiments of Harmony
Music Theory II: 16th Century Counterpoint
Music Theory III: 18th Century Counterpoint
Music Theory IV: Schenkerian Analysis
Music Theory V: 20th Century Counterpoint

Music History modules are designed to help students grasp the change of musical styles, practices, functions, and the surrounding sociopolitical context of music in different periods. Students will choose three modules from the following available history modules:

Music History I: Western Music History of the Renaissance
Music History II: Western Music History of the Baroque Era
Music History III: Western Music History of the Classical Era
Music History IV: Western Music History of the Romantic Era
Music History V: Western Music History of the 20th and 21st Century
Music History VI: History of Music, Art and Literature of the 18th – 20th Century

All students will play one set of scales and arpeggios on their respective instrument as chosen by the jurors, and perform a program of choice of 15 minutes in length at the end of each semester.

All students will perform a 30-45 minute performance recital during their final semester. The program should cover at least three different musical periods, and include at least one movement from a classical sonata.

This module provides the essential training of ear-training and sight singing, including training on melodic and rhythmic dictations, melodic and harmonic recognition and aural analysis on style and periods of music.

This module is designed to help students gain a real-life experience in teaching individual music lessons to students of varying age groups and performance levels. The module consists of introduction to and analysis of well-known pedagogical methods, research on history and evolution of instrumental pedagogy, observation and analysis of instrumental lessons taught by professional teachers and creating agendas for individual and group music lessons.

Entry by audition. This is an SATB choir for all instrument majors who are interested to learn about ensemble singing, covering choral works from various styles, periods, and languages.

This module consists of a chronological exploration and analysis of works for the keyboard family from the Renaissance period to 20thCentury. Students will gain comprehensive understanding of the evolution of keyboard literature over time, according the development of the instrument.

This module offers a historical development of the symphony orchestra and explores the evolution of repertoire over time. Students will conduct a thorough score and aural analysis of form, instrumentation, composition methods, texture and harmony of some of the iconic orchestral works from different musical periods.

This unique module prepares students specifically for teaching students who are preparing for ABRSM or Trinity Practical grade exams. The module explores the syllabus breakdown of graded exams as well as Diploma exams, covering teaching methods for all components of the exams including scales, arpeggios, selected pieces, sight reading and sight signing, aural training, and viva voce.

This course is an introductory course designed specifically for non-keyboard majors. Students will be assigned to one of the following levels based on placement test:

Beginner: 5-finger position pieces, pre- grade 1 pieces
Intermediate: proficiency equivalent of ABRSM grade 1-3
Advanced: Proficiency equivalent of ABRSM grade 4-5
Professional: Proficiency equivalent of ABRSM Grade 6 or above