Pioneer Program Description
Versatility is the hallmark of the Institute’s contemporary music program and students acquire the definitive hands-on experience in myriad aspects of music from pop to rock, blues, and jazz. As a contemporary music student, you will develop the aesthetic vision and the analytical bent to navigate the ever-evolving professional music environment. You will interact with faculty who are leading performers, composers, arrangers, and producers in the music industry. And when the time comes to make your mark, you won’t just adapt to change– you’ll drive it.
Duration of Study
Course Mode
Full-time
Course Location
Intakes
About the Programme
Assessments
Vary from course to course including:
- Written exams.
- Practical performance.
- Recital/master class attendance.
- Project-based coursework.
Career Prospect
Performing
- Recording sessions, lounge musician.
Teaching
- Private, music institutions/centers.
Composing/arranging
- Publishing, production, recording, advertising.
Music Technology
- Production, recording, broadcasting.
Music Business
- Management, marketing, administration, retailing, and sales.
Subjects Offered
Core Courses
- Choir 1-5 or
- Orchestra 1-5
- Modern Band 1-5
- Recital Attendance 1-5
- Masterclass Attendance 1-5
- Music Theory 1-3
- Aural Skills 1-3
- Music Research Methodology
- Rock Music History
- Jazz Music History
- Music and Popular Culture
- Principles of Teaching
- Introduction to Music Technology
- Live Sound
- Music Production Techniques
- Introduction to Music Marketing
- Malaysian Music
- Music Business in Malaysia
- Short Semester Major Instrument
- Major Instrument 1-4
- Minor Instrument 1-2 or Class Piano 1-2
- Final Year Performance/Final Year Research Project 1-2
- Inter
Electives
Students are required to complete 14 elective credit hours in total.
- World Music
- Music and Film
- Film Scoring
- Song Writing
- Jingle Writing
- Introduction to Jazz Improvisation
- Introduction to Mass Therapy
- Music and the Brain
- Psychology of Music
- Electronic Music Production
- Minor Instrument 3-4
- English Diction
- Italian Diction
- French Diction
- German Diction
- Analysis
- Counterpoint
- Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century Music
- Instrumentation
- Piano Pedagogy 1-2
- Vocal Pedagogy
- Vocal Literature 1-2
- Conducting Skills
- Keyboard Skills
- Opera Workshop
- String Pedagogy
- Performance Practices
- Music History 1-2
- Piano Literature 1-2
- Vocal Literature 1-2
Non Music Electives
- Introduction to Mass Communication
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Introduction to Psychology
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Fundamentals of Management
- Basic Entrepreneurship
General Courses (MPU) is compulsory for all students
- [U1] Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3
- [U1] Falsafah dan Isu Semasa
- [U2] University Life
- [U4] Extra-Curricular Learning Experience 1-3
Entry Requirement
Candidates may be admitted into the music degree programs by one of these 2 paths:
A. Complete and pass all courses with a minimum of Grade C in the Foundation in Music program at UCSI University,
OR
B. Meet BOTH academic and music requirements below:
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
STPM
At least 2 principal passes with a minimum CGPA of 2.0
A Level
minimum 2 D’s
UEC
At least B grade in 5 subjects
UCSI Foundation Year / Foundation programs from other higher learning institutions / National Matriculation/ Pre-U2 Singapore/ Diploma (Level 4 KKM)
Pass with a minimum CGPA of 2.0
High/Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) / Canadian Grade 12 – title following various districts in Canada / Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation (CIMP)/ SAM / AUSMAT / SACE / TEE / HSC (NSW) / NTCE / WACE
Pass with a minimum of 60%
Or, Other equivalent qualifications recognized by the Malaysian government
AND, Passed the music audition
MUSIC AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Performance Audition (Auditions are conducted at least 1 month before the start of the semester)
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Memorization is strongly encouraged for scholarship application
- 3 contemporary pieces of contrasting styles (preferably contemporary styles: jazz, pop, rock, Latin, popular styles, etc.)
- The performance must demonstrate the ability to improvise in the given style
Notes:
- String/woodwind/voice majors are required to bring along their own piano accompanist or request one from the Institute. In this case, a fee will be charged. Contemporary music candidates may choose to use minus-one recordings to accompany their audition. Please bring your own laptop, tablet, or another similar audio-playback device. The Institute will prepare a 1/8 – 1/8-inch audio connection.
- Composition majors are required to submit a portfolio of compositions and pass the audition on a major instrument
Aural Diagnostic Test
- Sight-singing; repeating a rhythmic phrase from memory; singing in intervals, scale & trials.
Sample Questions (Click Here)
Theory Diagnostic Test
- Topics include intervals; scales and key signatures; triads & 7th chords and their inversions; roman numeral or lead sheet symbols analysis; time signatures, a grouping of notes & rests, and cadences.
Sample Questions (Click Here)
For international candidates: The candidate is given the provision to do a live audition for admissions. For more information, please check with your course counselor/agent.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
TOEFL IBT
42 (500 in PBT)
Pearson Test of English
47
MUET
Band 3
- Applicants who have an academic qualification from a higher learning institution that uses the English Language as a medium of instruction may be granted an exemption from the University’s English Language requirements.
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