Degree Programme in Music

The degree programme is divided into seven options which are

Music Pedagogue
- instrumental pedagogue
- music theory pedagogue
- choral conductor
Music Instructor
Music Technology
Music Performance
Church Music
Composing
Theatre Music and Music Drama

Qualification

Bachelor of Culture and Arts

Extent and duration

270 cr; 4.5 years

Implementation method

Full-time study

Unit

F. E. Sillanpään katu 9, 33230 Tampere

Director and education manager

Director Ilari Laakso
Education manager Timo Salo

Eligibility
see TAMK’s websites on application and eligibility for bachelor’s degrees at www.tamk.fi/en

Competences developed

Graduates of the Degree Programme in Music have attained command of either an instrument or voice, music theory and history and - depending on the option – expertise in music pedagogy, church music, music technology, composing or theatre music and music drama. Degree holders are experts in their own fields and have the ability to pursue postgraduate or specialisation studies in music.

Graduates of the Degree Programme in Music have the musical skills to act in the expert tasks of their fields. Besides instrumental skills, they have a stylistic knowledge of music and are able to perceive and write music and apply these skills to practice. They have the ability to use information technology in their work and are capable of communicating in both Finnish and a foreign language in different work-related situations.

They are capable of practical research aiming at developing working life and have communication skills. Graduates are aware of the demands of professional life, internal entrepreneurship and professional ethics. In addition, they have developed skills in performance, independent work and self-development during their studies.

The versatile structure of the Degree Programme in Music enables selection of studies from the supply of the different options. Students can thus extend and profile their skills according to their own fields of interest. Close cooperation with working life and active international contacts make the degree programme even more diversified.

Composing
The professional studies of the option of Composing consist of compositional studies and extensive supportive studies in music theory and history of music. Students of the option have a main instrument and a second instrument. The practical training can involve composing or other tasks that are closely related to composing and require special expertise in music.

Professional status

The objective of the option of Composing is to provide students with sufficient practical composing skills as well as an understanding of music that make it possible for graduates to find employment as composers and in other related positions requiring musical expertise. In addition to composing, the professional demands of composers include a broad understanding of music and music theory, ability to perceive music aurally and visually and the practical skills of musicians.

Basic values of education

Musical, pedagogical and cultural expertise
Development of expertise and working life through artistic activities and applied research
Dynamics in the changing working life
Individuality and community spirit in professional growth
Internationality and cultural education
Teaching methods
The teaching of the Degree Programme in Music emphasises practical work based on theoretical knowledge. Some courses are implemented as individual teaching and others as group teaching. The long-term studies demanded to acquire the necessary skills require regular teaching under long periods of time. Studies of this kind are implemented in periods of one academic year.

Studies with a content and character applicable to a more intensive study are also realised as periodical teaching. Participation in productions, projects and practical training organised in cooperation with working life is a central part of the learning process.
Learning outcomes of programme / academic year

Composing
First year:
Common core studies
- Learning and growth to expertise
Music theory
- Fundamentals of perceiving tonal music
- Analysis of baroque music
- Music history from antique to Viennese classical period
- Fundamentals of writing tonal music
Instrumental studies
- Development in mastering of different musical styles and related technique and interpretation
- Studies in second instrument
Studies in composition
- Basic skills in composition: exercises and works on small scale
Research studies
- Information acquisition skills
Second year:
Common core studies
- Communication skills
Language studies
- First foreign language (terminology of music)
Music theory
- Perceiving of tonal music
- Analysis of music of classical and romantic periods
- Music history from romantic period to present time
- Study of instruments and basics of arrangement
Instrumental studies
- Development of personal expression and mastering of extensive forms
- Public performance
Studies in composition
- Broadening of palette: compositions and exercises in different techniques
Third year:
Language studies
- Swedish
Music theory
- Perceiving of music: beyond tonality
- Analysis of early music and 20th and 21st century music
- Deepening of understanding of tradition through analysis and stylistic exercises
Instrumental studies
- Mastering of different musical styles
- Public performance
- Capability to use instrumental skills in working life
Studies in composition
- Deepening of skills: more demanding and extensive works and exercises in different techniques
Research studies
Fourth year:
Music theory
- Deepening of perceiving tonal music
- Perceiving of free tonal and atonal music
- Deeper understanding of contemporary music through analysis and stylistic exercises
Studies in composition
- Towards own voice I: demanding and extensive works in different techniques
Bachelor’s thesis
Fifth year:
Studies in composition
Toward own voice II: demanding and large scale works in different techniques
Bachelor’s thesis

Structure of degree programme?
Core studies 10 cr
Professional studies 205 cr
Practical training 30 cr
Elective studie 10 cr
Bachelor´s thesis 15 cr
In total 270 cr
Degree programme curriculum