About the Programme
Admissions
Curriculum
FAQs
About the Programme
Admissions
Curriculum
FAQs

This concentration aims to nurture aspiring musicians who will acquire the general knowledge and practical skills needed for a variety of careers, and to provide students with opportunities to personal and intellectual development.


Programme Information

The B.A. (Honours) in Music programme offers a comprehensive, intensive, and flexible curriculum for musicians from all backgrounds. The programme features core foundational courses in music theory, musicianship, Western and Chinese music history, ensemble performance, and individual instruction. In addition, students further concentrate in either Composition, Directed Studies, Performance, or Music Education, building towards a capstone Honours Project that showcases students’ original research and/or creative work. Moreover, the Academy offers the opportunity to study in areas including electro-acoustic music, conducting, ethnomusicology, music production and more. Graduates from the BA programme are able to apply their skills in composition, performance, and/or research in a wide variety of contexts, including education, arts administration, composition and music production, and many of our graduates also continue to pursue postgraduate work in Hong Kong and abroad.


Programme Intended Learning Outcomes (Pilos)

After successful completion of the B.A. (Honours) in Music, students should be able to:

  • Apply musical knowledge and advanced skills in a variety of contexts;

  • Evaluate music critically from technical, historical, creative or aesthetic perspectives;

  • Integrate and synthesize original ideas in music performance, teaching, composition and/or research;

  • Demonstrate the ability to participate and/or lead in collaborative settings; and

  • Utilize current technologies in various musical settings.


Concentrations

Students can choose one of the 4 concentrations in Year 2 during their year 2 semester 2 study. Each concentration culminates in an honours project in Year 4 as the result of an intensive, year-long independent study project guided by a faculty advisor.

Composition / Music Production

The composition honours project aims to demonstrate an appropriate level of technical achievement and scope in the contemporary acoustic music setting, electronic/computer music medium, and/or mixed media production environment.


Performance / Pedagogy

The Honours Project in Performance will normally include 2 public performances: (1) a collaborative concert (30-35 minutes); and (2) a solo recital of 45 minutes.


Directed Studies

The directed studies Honours Project in Directed Studies will normally include involve an extensive year-long independent study, culminating in the production of a substantial research paper, of approximately 10,000 words in length, or a 45-minute lecture-recital accompanied by a written thesis document of 4000 words.


Music Education

The music education Honours Project in Music Education Concentration will normally include involve an extensive year-long independent study culminating in the production of a substantial research paper that focuses on music education topics. Projects appropriate for these disciplines include, but are not limited to: case studies, analysis, historical studies, surveys, or

Other research projects approved by the project supervisor.


Career Prospect

The Academy prepares students to be well-rounded musicians who are interested in pursuing music or music-related fields in their careers.

Music Theory and Musicianship Placement

All students entering in year 1 must pass the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 5 exam or its equivalent before starting coursework. In addition, to ensure that all students begin their music theory and musicianship studies at the appropriate level, students admitted to the BA (Hons.) in Music can be exempted from music theory and/or musicianship requirements according to the following guidelines:


BA1 students are exempted from MUSI1006 Theory and Structure of Music I if the student:

  1. Completed the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 8 Examination at a level of Merit or Distinction; or

  2. Completed the ABRSM Music Theory Grade 6 and Grade 7 Examinations, with both grades at a level of Merit or Distinction; or

  3. Completed HKBU CIE MUSC2208 Theory and Musicianship I with a grade of C or above; or

  4. Completed previous comparable coursework completed at another institution, pending an evaluation of the student’s transcript, the course syllabus, and any other supporting information regarding the completed course; or

  5. Achieves a satisfactory grade on the HKBU Music Theory Placement Exam, which is usually scheduled in early August.

BA1 students are exempted from MUSI1005 Musicianship I if the student:

  1. Completed HKBU CIE MUSC2208 Theory and Musicianship I with a grade of C or above; or

  2. Achieves a satisfactory grade on the HKBU Musicianship Placement Exam, which is usually scheduled in early August.

Please note that the above ABRSM qualifications should be attained by August and before Year 1 Semester 1 begins.

Year 1 students who have completed comparable coursework at another institution or attained the required ABRSM qualifications and who are interested in requesting an exemption from MUSI1006 and MUSI1005 should submit 1) the relevant documentation and 2) the application form which can be downloaded from the Academic Registry’s website, to the Academic Registry within the first semester of studies.

Exemptions are subject to the Academic Registrar's approval.

Units for exempted courses may still need to be completed as free electives per graduation requirements.

Music Theory Fundamentals Assessment

All BA1 students who are not exempted from MUSI1006 Theory and Structure of Music I will complete an online Music Theory Fundamentals Assessment (MTFA) offered in July and August. Students who do not pass the MTFA will be given the opportunity to practice the necessary topics online and to retake the assessment until they pass. Students must pass the MTFA before beginning MUSI1006 in Semester 1.


Enquiries

Tel: +852 3411 7866

email: mus-ba@hkbu.edu.hk