The Music Studies major can also be taken in conjunction with Specialist Music Studies, a major in another discipline or a selection of other units.

The BA or BPhil(Hons) with two majors in music is equivalent to the first three years of the current Bachelor of Music course, with increased performance opportunities.

Music Studies major

Music Studies will provide a foundation in the general study of music that can lead to a variety of career pathways, including the performing arts.

• Students will develop skills in performance, composition and musicianship.
• The course includes studies in Western art music history, harmony and structure, popular and world musics.

For students wishing to specialise in music performance, composition or musicology, the Specialist Music Studies major may be taken concurrently with the Music Studies major.

The Music Studies major can be taken as part of the BA, BCom, BDes, BSc or BPhil(Hons).

When taken as a degree-specific major within the BA or BPhil(Hons), Music Studies includes two units (equal to two semesters) of one-to-one instrumental, vocal or composition lessons (equivalent to one year full-time).

Specialist Music Studies major

Taken in conjunction with the Music Studies major, the Specialist Music Studies major is a stepping stone to a variety of professional music careers.

Specialist Music Studies will provide students with a rigorous, high-quality tertiary music education, and intensive concentration in a chosen area of specialisation: performance, composition or musicology.

It will enable students, as emerging performers, composers, music educators or researchers, to pursue postgraduate studies in music at UWA or other centres of musical excellence.

Students enrolled concurrently in both music majors are eligible, subject to satisfactory progress, to receive individual one-to-one instrumental, vocal or composition tuition in every semester of their degree.

Elective units for Music majors

In addition to intensive studies in performance, composition and musicianship, students taking music studies and specialist music studies majors concurrently will have access to a wider range of elective units including:

• Topics in Performance Practice
• Soundscapes of Australia
• Digital Audio
• Music Education in Research and Practice
• Advanced Ensemble
• Music Analysis in Theory and Practice
• Music, Identity and Place 
• Music in the Community 

 A less extensive range of electives is open to students enrolled in the Music Studies major.

Broadening units for non–Music majors

For 2012, all undergraduate students are required to take four broadening units from an area outside their primary degree pathway.  As part of this process, the School of Music has specially designed broadening units that will appeal to students from a variety of backgrounds.

 

The School of Music will offer two Category A units:  Popular Music in Global Perspective (level 1) and Music in World Cultures (level 2).  These units are specifically designed to focus on music and issues affecting the global community, and are suitable for students with previous music experience, as well as those new to the field.

Also available are Music Ensemble units wherein students participate in a variety of ensembles and undertake project-based assignments relating to a chosen ensemble.  Some ensembles, such as the Symphony Orchestra and Opera Scenes, will require an audition.  Other ensembles, for example, Djembe Circle (African Drumming), and the Show Choir, are suitable for students with little or no musical backgorund.

In addition to these broadening units, undergraduate students not majoring in music may elect to take other music units.   Subject to fulfilling unit prerequisites, students may choose from a wide range of electives, including:

• Music and Science
• Music, Mind and Medicine
• Western Art Music units
• Music Language units

Entry requirements

To major in Music Studies and / or Specialist Music Studies students must:

• meet the University's entry requirements
• achieve a pass in Music 3A/3B or equivalent proficiency in performance (approximately Grade 7) and music theory (approximately Grade 5) (e.g. AMEB, ABRSM, etc.)
• perform a successful audition and/or submit a portfolio of compositions