Bachelor Of Contemporary Music (Hons.)

Versatility defines UCSI University's Institute of Music’s contemporary music programme, where students gain hands-on experience across diverse musical genres, including pop, rock, blues, and jazz. This comprehensive approach equips students with the aesthetic vision and analytical skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving professional music landscape. Throughout the programme, students engage with accomplished faculty members who are prominent performers, composers, arrangers, and producers in the music industry. This direct industry exposure not only hones their technical and creative abilities but also empowers them to become innovators who shape the future of contemporary music and pursue successful careers.

Academic Requirements

Candidates may be admitted into the programme through one of the following pathways:

A. Completion of the Foundation in Music programme at UCSI University with a minimum Grade C in all courses.

OR

B. Meeting BOTH academic and music audition requirements:

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 / Canadian Pre-University (CPU) / Canadian International Matriculation (CIMP) / SAM / AUSMAT / SACE / TEE / HSC (NSW) / NTCE / WACE: Pass with a minimum of 60%

• Other equivalent qualifications recognized by the Malaysian government

AND

Music Audition Requirements:

1. Performance Audition:

   • Duration: 15 minutes

   • Memorization is encouraged for scholarship applications

   • Perform 3 contemporary pieces of contrasting styles (e.g., jazz, pop, rock, Latin, popular styles)

   • Demonstrate the ability to improvise in the given style

   Notes:

   • String/woodwind/voice majors must bring their own piano accompanist or request one from the Institute (additional fee applies).

   • Contemporary music candidates may use minus-one recordings and must bring their own playback device (e.g., laptop, tablet).

   • Composition majors must submit a portfolio of compositions and pass the audition on a major instrument.

2. Aural Diagnostic Test:

   • Sight singing

   • Repeating a rhythmic phrase from memory

   • Singing in intervals, scales, and trials

3. Theory Diagnostic Test:

   • Intervals

   • Scales and key signatures

   • Triads & 7th chords (including inversions)

   • Roman numeral or lead sheet symbols analysis

   • Time signatures, note/rest grouping, and cadences

English Language Requirements:

For Local Students:

• MUET: Band 3
• SPM English Language: Grade B+
• SPM English Language 1119/O-Level/IGCSE: Grade C
• UEC English Language: Grade A2

If English language requirements are not met, candidates must enroll in Basic English and English Foundation concurrently with the programme.

For International Students:

• Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests (B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, Linguaskill Online): 154
• Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests (OET) (Conventional/Online): 200
• IELTS: Band 5.0
• TOEFL iBT: 40
• TOEFL Essentials (Online): 7.5
• PTE Academic / Academic (Online): 47
• MUET: Band 3.5

Core Courses

• Choir 1-5 or Orchestra 1-5
• Modern Band 1-2
• Recital Attendance 1-5
• Masterclass Attendance 1-5
• Music Theory 1-3
• Aural Skills 1-3
• Writing in Music
• Malaysian Music
• 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
• Music Business in Malaysia
• Short Semester Major Instrument
• Major Instrument 1-4
• Minor Instrument 1-2 or Class Piano 1-2
• Final Year Performance 1-2 or Final Year Research Project 1-2
• Internship

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
• Modern Band 3-4
• English Diction
• French Diction
• German Diction
• Italian Diction
• Materials and Techniques of Twentieth-Century
• Analysis
• Counterpoint
• 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) 

For Malaysian students:

1. Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations
   (Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban)

For International students:

1. U1 - Communication in Bahasa Melayu 3
   (Bahasa Melayu Komunikasi 3)

All students:

1. U1 - Philosophy and Contemporary Issues
   (Falsafah dan Isu Semasa)
2. U2 - University Life
3. U4 - Extra-Curricular Learning Experience 1-3