CourseBachelor DegreeBMus

A2003 Bachelor of Music

Faculty of Arts

Bachelor of Music (A2003) is a 3 years full-time, 144-credit-point, bachelor degree course from the Faculty of Arts, taught at Clayton. In 2021 you can choose from 3 specialisations. Map your units semester by semester with the MonMap planner.

Credit points
144
Duration
3 years full time
6 years part time
Campus
Clayton
On campus
Guaranteed ATAR
70 International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 1 RC (70-72.49)

This is the 2021 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.

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Requisite map

The 2021 handbook lists no units for A2003 itself. Pick an area of study to see its units.

Overview

In the Bachelor of Music you will learn practical skills and advanced musicianship, and will also be exposed to the creative, cultural, historical and technical aspects of music making and musical thinking. In addition to learning about music from a variety of perspectives, this course allows you to build a high level of expertise in one of three specialisations:

  • Composition and music technology 
  • Music performance
  • Popular music 

You will benefit from a vibrant, nurturing and productive environment, with modern facilities, unique archival collections and scholarship prospects. In addition, you will enjoy a wide range of educational opportunities, including studying with international visiting artists and researchers, and have the option of undertaking overseas units as part of your course.

Global Immersion Guarantee - Where a student has space in their course plan a funded overseas experience to either India, Indonesia, Italy, China or Malaysia may be available to first year Bachelor of Music (and related double degree students). A new benchmark in globally-focused education, you will have the opportunity to spend two weeks studying overseas, with airfares and accommodation all covered as part of the degree. Students are advised to get course advice if they wish to undertake the Global Immersion Guarantee. 

*Eligibility requirements apply: First year Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Media and Communications, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Politics Philosophy and Economics (and related double degree) students in good academic standing, who have undertaken 24 points of credit (including a minimum of 12 points Arts) and have passed all their Arts units. 

Course structure

Rules
Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than 60 credit points can be credited to the music course at level 1 and a minimum of 24 credit points must be completed in music at level 3. If you are completing a double degree you must complete no more than 36 credit points of level one arts units and at least 36 credit points at level three of which at least 24 credit points must be arts units.
Part A. Music specialist study36 credit points
You must complete one specialisation from the following. To avoid exceeding the standard three year course duration you must enrol in the music specialist study 1 and 2 units in your first year of study, then progress to the music specialist study 3 to 6 units in the following years. You must pass each unit sequentially.
Part B. Music theory and ear training24 credit points
NOTE 1: If you are a BMus or a BMus double degree student, you may choose to take an examination at the commencement of ATS1899 Music theory and ear training 1. If you pass, you may be granted an exemption from this unit and be allowed to enrol in ATS1347 Music Ensemble 1 or another approved unit.  Similarly, you may be exempted from ATS1900 Music theory and ear training 2 if at the commencement of this unit you choose to take an examination and pass it. This will allow you to enrol in ATS1348 Music Ensemble 2 or another approved unit. NOTE 2: If you are completing Popular music you may replace ATS2901 Music theory and ear training 3 and ATS2902 Music theory and ear training 4 with the elective units ATS2159 Recording and computer music production and ATS2139 Song writing: How to write a popular song.
Part C. Music context study36 credit points
Part D. Free elective study48 credit points
You must complete 48 credit points of free elective study. You may select any units from Part C. Music context study, as listed above. or any units from the music electives listed below as long as you are eligible to enrol in the particular units. (Note that not all units are offered in every year) In addition, you may choose units from across the Arts faculty, or from across the University (including a major or minor from another course) as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level, however, no more than 60 credit points at level 1 can be credited to the Bachelor of Music and a minimum of 24 credit points must be completed in music at level 3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties. If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the music degree.
The handbook's description of this structure

The course develops through the three themes of music specialist study, music theory and ear training, and music context study.

Part A. Music specialist study

This sequence of units will provide you with specialist skills to undertake a final examination either through performance with your chief instrument or voice, or through a folio of composition and music technology media or written work. Performance and other applied electives are also available.

Part B. Music theory and ear training

This will integrate the development of aural skills with the theoretical understanding of music through listening, analysis, performance, notation and composition.

Part C. Music context studies

These studies will expose you to the study of music and music making in various cultural, historical, social and professional settings through introductory units and a capstone experience.

Part D. Free elective study

Electives will enable you to further develop your knowledge of music or Arts more broadly, or to select units from across the University (in which you are eligible to enrol).

Master's accelerated pathway

If you are a high achieving student, have completed all of the requirements for the Bachelor of Music and are in good standing with the faculty, you may be able to progress to a master's course. If admitted to the accelerated pathway at the end of year two, you will use four of your elective studies (Part D) to complete 24 points of specified units from your destination master's degree.

Course progression map

The course progression map provides guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

The course comprises 144 points, of which 96 points are music study and 48 points are free electives.

Elective units may be at any level, however, no more than ten units (60 points) can be credited to the music course at level 1 and a minimum of 24 points must be completed in music at level 3.

If you are completing a double degree you must complete no more than six level one arts units (36 points) and at least 36 points at level three of which at least 24 points must be arts units.

Units are 6 points unless otherwise stated.

Part A. Music specialist study (36 points)

You must complete the specified six units for one of the following specialisations. To avoid exceeding the standard three year course duration you must enrol in the music specialist study 1 and 2 units in your first year of study, then progress to the music specialist study 3 to 6 units in the following years. You must pass each unit sequentially.

Composition and music technology

  • ATS1046 Composition and music technology 1: Introduction to composition genres
  • ATS1047 Composition and music technology 2: Composition and recording materials
  • ATS2127 Composition and music technology 3: Composition and mixing techniques
  • ATS2128 Composition and music technology 4: Music for screen and other media
  • ATS3140 Composition and music technology 5: Interactive composition
  • ATS3141 Composition and music technology 6: Final project

Music performance

You must complete:

  • ATS1044 Performance 1
  • ATS1045 Performance 2
  • ATS2122 Performance 3
  • ATS2123 Performance 4
  • ATS3136 Performance 5
  • ATS3137 Performance 6


Popular music 

You must complete:

  • ATS1072 Popular music 1
  • ATS1073 Popular music 2
  • ATS2272 Popular music 3
  • ATS2273 Popular music 4
  • ATS3272 Popular music 5
  • ATS3273 Popular music 6

Part B. Music theory and ear training (24 points)

You must complete:

  • ATS1899 Music theory and ear training 1
  • ATS1900 Music theory and ear training 2
  • ATS2901 Music theory and ear training 3
  • ATS2902 Music theory and ear training 4

NOTE 1: If you are a BMus or a BMus double degree student, you may choose to take an examination at the commencement of ATS1899 Music theory and ear training 1. If you pass, you may be granted an exemption from this unit and be allowed to enrol in ATS1347 Music Ensemble 1 or another approved unit.  Similarly, you may be exempted from ATS1900 Music theory and ear training 2 if at the commencement of this unit you choose to take an examination and pass it. This will allow you to enrol in ATS1348 Music Ensemble 2 or another approved unit. 

NOTE 2: If you are completing Popular music you may replace ATS2901 Music theory and ear training 3 and ATS2902 Music theory and ear training 4 with the elective units ATS2159 Recording and computer music production and ATS2139 Song writing: How to write a popular song.

 

Part C. Music context study (36 points)

a. You must complete 30 credit points from the following units:

Note: If you choose ATS2060 or ATS2687, only one of these units can be included in your 30 credit points.

  • ATS1345 Music and history
  • ATS1346 Music and culture
  • ATS2060 The art of teaching music performance
  • ATS2687 The ethnomusicology of improvisation
  • ATS3061 Music in Australia
  • ATS3094 The music business: How to be successful in the music industry

b. You must complete 6 credit points from the following units:

  • ATS2333 Jazz history
  • ATS2900 Writing about music: Headlines and hashtags
  • ATS2331 Music - overseas study program 1
  • ATS2332 Music- overseas study program 2
  • ATS2800 Music ensemble 3
  • ATS2801 Music ensemble 4

Part D. Free elective study (48 points)

You may select any  units from Part C. Music context study, as listed above. You may also select units from the music electives listed below as long as you are eligible to enrol in the particular units. In addition, you may choose units from across the Arts faculty, or from across the University (including a major or minor from another course) as long as you have the prerequisites and there are no restrictions on admission to the units. The units may be at any level, however, no more than 10 units (60 points) at level 1 can be credited to the Bachelor of Music and a minimum of 24 points must be completed in music at level 3.

Free electives can be identified using the [[http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/search][browse units]] tool and [[http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/units/][indexes of units]] in the current edition of the Handbook. The level of the unit is indicated by the first number in the unit code; undergraduate units are those that commence with the numbers 1-3. You may need permission from the owning faculty to enrol in some units taught by other faculties.

If you are in a double degree course, some units required for the other degree are credited as electives towards the music degree.

Electives list

Performance electives

  • ATS1347 Music ensemble 1
  • ATS1348 Music ensemble 2
  • ATS2800 Music ensemble 3
  • ATS2801 Music ensemble 4

Applied electives

  • ATS2139 Song writing: How to write a popular song
  • ATS2159 Recording and computer music production
  • ATS2307 Improvisation in performance practice
  • ATS3153 Music research project
  • ATS3819 Orchestration
  • ATS3820 Conducting
  • ATS3899 Jazz arranging: Contemporary arranging techniques for small groups to large ensembles
  • ATS3900 Jazz composition: From Tin Pan Alley to today

Context electives

  • ATS1343 Popular music in global perspective
  • ATS2105 Theatre and performance: Theory and practice 2
  • ATS2811 Theatre and performance: Theory and practice 1
  • ATS2878 Audio culture: The history of electronic music
  • ATS2910 Professional and academic presentation skills
  • ATS3144 Music research in the digital age
  • ATS3824 Popular music and society
  • ATS3828 Film music
  • ATS3834 Theatre in performance

Not all units are offered in every year.

Overseas units

  • ATS2331/ATS3331 Music - overseas study program 1
  • ATS2332/ATS3332 Music - overseas study program 2

Areas of study

Learning outcomes

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework and Monash Graduate Attributes.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that you will be able to:

  1. 1

    undertake sustained high-level independent practice in their chosen music specialisation

  2. 2

    resolve musical and conceptual problems related to their practice or research with creativity, critical judgment, analysis

  3. 3

    communicate complex musical ideas associated with their specialisation through written and verbal means, as well as music-specific forms of representation

  4. 4

    reflect on the place of their chosen music specialisation within a broader industry or disciplinary context

  5. 5

    prepare for a career in music and demonstrate the ability to adapt to a dynamic industry

  6. 6

    actively engage with the international and cross-cultural elements of their chosen specialisation.

Entry requirements

Guaranteed ATAR and selection rank

70 International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 1 RC (70-72.49); UERT Post-secondary Band 1 (Pass)

Other applicants

All applicants must satisfy the equivalence of the VCE subject prerequisites demonstrating the required level of performance in Year 12 or equivalent in English

VET Diploma graduates: To be considered, applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a Humanities or Social Science based diploma will require an average result of at least 60%. Applicants who have not completed VCE but have completed a Humanities or Social Science based diploma will require an average result of at least 70% Programs that involve competency-based assessment without grades or marks will not meet the admission requirements.

VET Certificate IV graduates: To be considered, applicants who have completed VCE or its equivalent and who are applying with a Humanities or Social Science based Cert IV will require an average result of at least 80%. Programs that involve competency-based assessment without grades or marks will not meet the admission requirements. No credit is granted for these studies

University: To be considered on the basis of tertiary study alone, applicants who have completed VCE or equivalent will be required to complete the equivalent of one year (48 credit points) of a recognised university degree and will require an average result of at least 60% (including failed units). For applicants who have completed less than the equivalent of one year of study, both the senior secondary qualification results and the units completed will be considered.

For applicants who do not have any formal qualifications completion of two single units at an Australian higher education or equivalent overseas educational institution satisfy minimum entry requirements, but four units are recommended to be competitive for selection, especially in Humanities or Social Science areas. Applicants should have at least a 60% average in their studies (including failed units). Studies must have been completed within five years of intended commencement.

All applicants must satisfy the equivalence of the VCE subject prerequisites. 

 

English language

Monash Minimum: Level A, that is: IELTS (Academic): 6.5 overall (no band lower than 6.0); or Pearson Test of English (Academic): score of 58 overall with no band lower than 50; or TOEFL Internet-based test: score of 79 overall with minimum scores: Writing: 21, Listening: 12, Reading: 13 and Speaking: 18; or Equivalent approved English test

Pathways

Monash College - Diploma of Arts

Articulation agreement: Sekolah Tinggi Internasional Konservatori Musik, Indonesia (2+2) Exp: 9 May 2022

More information

Progression to further studies

Honours

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to A3702 Bachelor of Music (Honours). You must have:

  • completed 48 credit points of studies within your chosen music discipline;
  • obtained a distinction grade average (70%) or above in 24 credit points of studies in your chosen music discipline at level three; and
  • an overall WAM of 70 in your completed undergraduate degree.

Master's pathway

Successful completion of this course may provide a pathway to a masters course. You must have completed all the requirements for your undergraduate degree with a 60% average.

Other information

In the Bachelor of Music you will learn practical skills and advanced musicianship, and will also be exposed to the creative, cultural, historical and technical aspects of music making and musical thinking. In addition to learning about music from a variety of perspectives, this course allows you to build a high level of expertise in one of three specialisations:

  • Composition and music technology 
  • Music performance
  • Popular music 

You will benefit from a vibrant, nurturing and productive environment, with modern facilities, unique archival collections and scholarship prospects. In addition, you will enjoy a wide range of educational opportunities, including studying with international visiting artists and researchers, and have the option of undertaking overseas units as part of your course.

Global Immersion Guarantee - Where a student has space in their course plan a funded overseas experience to either India, Indonesia, Italy, China or Malaysia may be available to first year Bachelor of Music (and related double degree students). A new benchmark in globally-focused education, you will have the opportunity to spend two weeks studying overseas, with airfares and accommodation all covered as part of the degree. Students are advised to get course advice if they wish to undertake the Global Immersion Guarantee. 

*Eligibility requirements apply: First year Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Global Studies, Bachelor of Criminology, Bachelor of Media and Communications, Bachelor of Music, or Bachelor of Politics Philosophy and Economics (and related double degree) students in good academic standing, who have undertaken 24 points of credit (including a minimum of 12 points Arts) and have passed all their Arts units. 

Contacts

Academic Coordinator
Dr Rod Davies

Common questions

How long is Bachelor of Music?

3 years full time, 144 credit points. At 24 credit points a semester, that is 6 semesters of full-time study.

What specialisations can I take in Bachelor of Music?

3 specialisations in 2021, including Composition and music technology; Music performance; and Popular music.

What ATAR do I need for Bachelor of Music?

The guaranteed ATAR listed for 2021 entry is 70 International: UERT Year 12/Foundation Band 1 RC (70-72.49).

Where can I study Bachelor of Music?

At Clayton.

How do I plan my Bachelor of Music units?

Open the course in the MonMap planner. It lays out your semesters, checks prerequisites as you drag units in, and tracks the credit points each requirement still needs.

Course details

Qualification
Bachelor Degree
AQF level
Level 7
Credit points
144
Full time
3 Years
Part time
6 Years
Maximum time
8 years
Faculty
Faculty of Arts
CRICOS code
017113G
Abbreviation
BMus
Award title
Bachelor of Music