Handbook

The Bachelor of Music (BMus) is a four-year, full-time degree that offers intensive pre-professional training in one of four specialisations: Music Creative Practice, Musicology, Sonic Arts, and Music Pedagogy. The first 1.5 years are common to all specialisations. All BMus candidates receive individual performance tuition (or composition tuition on approval) for the first two years of the program. Music Pedagogy candidates receive additional individual performance tuition in year three of the program and Music Creative Practice candidates receive additional individual performance tuition (or composition tuition) in years three and four of the program.

Music Creative Practice students may specialise in performance or composition in a self-selected musical style or tradition, including Jazz or World Music on approval. Musicology provides a highly academic focus on studies in Historical Musicology, Ethnomusicology, Music Analysis or the Psychology of Music. Sonic Arts develops technical and creative skills in Electro-Acoustic music and Sound Design and provides links with Media Studies at UNSW. Music Pedagogy provides a course of study in studio teaching with an emphasis on practical application and preparation for further study in music education. All specialisations include extensive training in developing musicianship skills and ensemble performance, which is supported by a variety of large and small, Western and Non-Western Music ensembles.

The BMus can be completed full-time in single mode (normally four years) and in Dual mode (the equivalent of three years full-time) or part-time. High-achieving students with a minimum WAM of 70 may, at the completion of all requirements for levels 1-3 apply to transfer to the Bachelor of Music (Honours) 3440.

It is recommended that students in Music programs should plan ahead to choose Free Electives from available music courses that enhance the depth component of their studies. Students intending to do Honours but also wanting a strong Australian Studies component are advised to consider MUSC4104