Diploma in Music Performance (School of Music and the Arts)
Course Information
Description
Course Overview
The Diploma in Music Performance aims to equip students and aspiring musicians with the necessary foundational knowledge and competencies in music performance. The modules within the course help lay the groundwork for their development into critical reflective musicians by covering the following key areas: performance, theory, music history and musicianship. Students will also be equipped with the necessary business and entrepreneurial skill sets to pursue successful careers in the contemporary music industry.
Entry Requirements
At least 16 years old
Academic Entry Requirements:
Minimum of 3 GCE O-level credits with grade C6 and above, or completion of 10 years of formal education, or its international equivalent
Candidates with a NITEC or Higher NITEC Certificate will have to complete and pass one of SOMA’s Certificate Courses in order to be eligible for admission to the Diploma courses.
Minimum ABRSM, Trinity or LCM Grade 5 Performance or equivalent
Minimum ABRSM, Trinity or LCM Grade 3 Music Theory or equivalent
Language Entry Requirements:
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 4.5, or
GCE ‘N’/’O’ Level English Language – grade C6 and above, or
Other English Language Proficiency Tests (TOEFL etc.) will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Career Opportunities
Information not available.
Modules
Module 1 – Music Theory and Harmony (18 credits)
In this module, students will learn to apply their preliminary knowledge of music theory to musical score analysis and composition, starting with harmony and counterpoint and SATB writing. They will also gain a broad knowledge of western music, including key composers and their notable works, as well as the characteristics and style of various music genres. Popular music theory concepts such as chromatically altered chords and chord substitutions will also be covered in this module.
Module 2 – Introduction to Music Technology (5 credits)
An overview of current music and audio technology, providing students with fundamental principles and theories of sound, as well as Pro Tools, the industry standard digital audio workstation for recording and digital audio production.
Module 3 – Musicianship and Aural I (3 credits)
Students will train their ears and improve on their musicality and musicianship through the Solfege, sight-singing and rhythmic exercises covered in this module.
Module 4 – Musicianship and Aural II (3 credits)
This module builds on Musicianship and Aural I to endow students with a secure grasp of more advanced musicianship and aural concepts, covering up to Grade 8 of the ABRSM syllabus.
Module 5 – Private Instruction (30 credits)
Students will be given private instruction in their principle study instrument. These weekly one-on-one lessons will enhance their competency on their instrument by means of emphasis on technical work and performance ability.
Module 6 – Ensemble (20 credits)
This module enhances the musician’s collaborative music-making skills and enables them to be able to play well with other people in an ensemble setting. This is achieved through their involvement in a range of ensembles. Students will record down their ensemble involvement and activity in a learning journal, which further encourages critical reflection of the development of their ensemble-playing skills.
Module 7 – Classical Music History (5 credits)
This module provides students with an overview of the 4 key periods in Western Classical Music, as well as certain key movements in classical music history. Students will be introduced to notable composers and their key works, as well as the socio-political and economic circumstances that shaped the development of western music from the 16th – 19th centuries.
Module 8 – Contemporary Music History (5 credits)
An overview of key contemporary music genres and movements, from impressionism, minimalism, nationalism and serialism in music, to popular music genres such as Pop, Rock, Jazz and R&B.
Module 9 – Keyboard Skills I (4 credits)
This module will equip students with fundamental keyboard skills. Using a range of pop songs, students will learn to construct, read and play triads and 7th chords. This module is an elective for students taking the Diploma in Music Performance.
Module 10 – Guitar Skills (4 credits)
In order to be a versatile songwriter, it is important to be able to write songs using both the keyboard and guitar. This module teaches and prepares students to be able to read and play basic chords, strumming patterns and simple major scales on the guitar. Through hands-on training, this module aims to get students to be comfortable playing the guitar and eventually writing songs on the guitar. This module is an elective for students taking the Diploma in Music Performance.
Module 11 – Vocal Techniques (4 credits)
An introduction to vocal techniques, this module is specially designed for singer-songwriters and aims to teach students the fundamental elements of singing using current pop songs: control, intonation, diction, tone quality and phrasing. Warm-up exercises and singing in Solfege will also be covered in this module. This module is an elective for students taking the Diploma in Music Performance.
Module 12 – Introduction to Music Business (6 credits)
This module provides students with an essential overview of the contemporary music industry, and how it is constantly evolving due to recent significant developments, most notably technological advancements and the internet. Students will also gain an awareness of how they can achieve success for themselves and their songs as an independent artist, using the range of tools and accessible platforms available today.
Module 13 – Professional Development (6 credits)
This module guides students in their development as reflective and capable individuals in their desired fields by equipping them with essential practical and industry-relevant skill sets. Students are also encouraged to take concrete steps to develop themselves professionally through internal and external projects and training workshops. Selected students will also be given the opportunity to intern with the School’s industry links.
Module 14 – Collaborative Project (15 credits)
In this module, students will be given individual instruction and guidance as they prepare and progress through their final portfolio of a 3-song production album with students from other disciplines. It encourages them to utilise and further develop upon all the skills and techniques that they had picked up earlier in the academic year, and provides them with the opportunity to kick-start their professional careers in the music industry.