BA (HONS) IN MUSIC
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Course Aims & Careers
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The BA (Hons) in Music provides a rigorous academic and practical 
education in music.  The course design is based on the philosophy 
that the graduate is a person who can work independently, make 
critical judgments and solve complex problems.  The curriculum 
supports that philosophy by way of an increasing emphasis on 
independent work as the course progresses from Year I through Year 
III.  The aim of the course is to provide students with a practical 
and intellectual foundation for careers in music or music related 
fields.

Students accepted into the course will study with specialist 
scholars, teachers and guest artists in performance, composition, 
Chinese and Western music history, music education, and music 
analysis and theory.  Individuals will have the opportunity to hear 
and interact with outstanding performers, scholars, and composers 
from China and the Western World.  Students will also use the 
computers, electronic instruments, and recording technology available 
in the Electro-Acoustic Music Centre, one of the finest facilities of 
its kind in Southeast Asian tertiary institutions, to broaden the 
traditional foundation of the course.  The strong emphasis on solo, 
chamber, and ensemble performance throughout the three years provides 
a rich experience in practical music making.

Two major considerations dominate the programme: integrity of 
academic study in the field and employability of graduates.  Recent 
graduates have begun careers in arts management, radio and television 
production, teaching, and other music-related fields.  The course 
also provides a strong basis for postgraduate study in music.  
Graduates of the programme have pursued further study in institutions 
in the UK, the USA, and Hong Kong.


Course Curriculum
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The course consists of core subjects taken by all students throughout 
the three year programme and specialist subjects in the student's 
area of concentration in years two and three.  The core subjects give 
the students a broad general knowledge of music history, theory, 
performance, and technology.  Specialist subjects complement this 
basis with an in-depth examination of composition, performance, 
history, or music education, and lead toward the Honours project and 
the independent work of Year III.  All students pursue a three year 
course of study on their principal instrument/voice on the basis of a 
weekly private lesson.  They are also required to perform in one of 
the University's major ensembles: University Choir, Girls' Choir, or 
Orchestra, and may participate in one of the smaller ensembles such 
as Chamber Choir, Handbell Choir, or Baroque Ensemble.  The programme 
is summarized below:

  Year 1

  Core Subjects and Non-Music required courses:
  History of Western Music I, History of Chinese Music I, Materials and 
  Structures of Music, Individual and Ensemble Performance, Second 
  Instrument, Computer Literacy, English Language, and Religion and 
  Philosophy.

  Year 2

  Core Subjects and Non-Music Electives:
  History of Western Music II, History of Chinese Music II, Techniques 
  of Twentieth Century Composition, Recording Techniques, Individual 
  and Ensemble Performance, Second Instrument, and Electives.

  Specialist Concentration Subjects:
  Composition II, Performance Pedagogy I, Foundations of Music 
  Education, Orchestration.

  Year 3

  Core Subjects:
  History of Western Music III, Analysis, Individual and Ensemble 
  Performance.

  Specialist Concentration Subjects:
  Conducting, Principles and Applications of Music Education, 
  Contemporary Music Workshop, Specialized Performance Study, 
  Repertoire and Pedagogy, Electronic Music, and the individual Honours 
  degree project consisting of either a composition portfolio, concerto 
  (or equivalent) performance, or a thesis in music history, education, 
  or analysis.

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