The applicant must have achieved Higher Education Entrance Qualification (or be able to present documented, equivalent working experience), and have passed relevant auditions.
The main focus for studies in popular music is performance and creativity combined with music theory aimed at preparing music performance students for the future job market.
Popular music performance studies facilitate possibilities for the student to develop as a musician with a wide variety of musical genres concentrating on improvisation, composition, songwriting, instrumental technique, ensemble training, an own artistic expression, studio and music technology. The subjects related to music theory are closely connected to the performance and creative artistic processes. Good technical skills are essential to communicate music and this study emphasises development of musicality and skills in different musical genres and repertoire. The student will be given lessons in a secondary instrument chosen by the student.
The student applies to one of the following two specializations:
With the exception of main instrument, all subjects are joint for the two specializations.
About the specializations:
Popular Music Performance
This specialization focus on developing of the student's expression and musical identity. Concentrating on the main instrument and collaboration in ensemble expand the student's individual skills. The development of artistic and technical skills prepares the student for a professional music career.
Songwriting
This specialization focus on developing a variety of methods in songwriting including music and lyrics providing the student tools to further expand their own music and musical identity. An essential part of the study is developing an unique artistic expression and communication skills towards an audience.
The student must choose a mandatory elective specialization in the third year which may connect to the theme for their bachelor thesis. We offer four different elective specializations: 1. MUR206 Making Music (15 ECTS), 2. MUR207 Producing Music (15 ECTS), 3. MUR208 Performing Music (15 ECTS) and 4. MUR202 Electronic Music Specialisation (15 ECTS).
1. sem | Choose Specialisation (1/2) | MUR123-1 (1/2) Applied Music Theory 7.5 sp | MUR114-1 (1/2) Music History 5 sp | MUR124-1 (1/2) Music Technology 5 sp | |||||||||||||||
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ORG001-1 Health, Safety and Environment 0 sp | |||||||||||||||||||
2. sem | Choose Specialisation (2/2) | MUR114-1 (2/2) Music History 5 sp | MUR124-1 (2/2) Music Technology 5 sp | MUR123-1 (2/2) Applied Music Theory 7.5 sp | |||||||||||||||
3. sem | MUR128-1 Composing and Arranging 5 sp | MUR107-1 (1/2) Analytical Theory and Method in Popular Musicology 5 sp | MUR127-1 Ear Training 5 sp | ||||||||||||||||
4. sem | Elective courses | MUR107-1 (2/2) Analytical Theory and Method in Popular Musicology 5 sp | MUR129-1 Entrepreneurship for Musicians 5 sp | ||||||||||||||||
5. sem | Elective courses | ||||||||||||||||||
6. sem | MUR314-1 Bachelor's Thesis 10 sp | Elective courses |
After completing their studies, the students will have:
KNOWLEDGE
SKILLS
GENERAL COMPETENCE
The study utilizes various teaching and learning modes such as individual teaching, group teaching, lectures, group projects with presentations, web lessons, video lessons, self-developed apps, practice-related activities, seminars and workshops with guest lecturers and guest musicians.
Teachers and student cooperate closely in the study. Throughout the program the student participates in projects with assignments relevant to their professional competence, e.g., in cultural- and concert projects in collaboration with local and regional festivals and institutions or stakeholders.
The digital learning platform Canvas is utilized as a communication channel for the study program.
Parts of the teaching in the individual courses are compulsory. See the individual topic description.
The field of Popular music performance and songwriter & artist has a strong international position where creative and performing impulses are constantly developing trans-nationally.
The Department of Popular Music at UiA is affiliated with international networks and has exchange agreements with several major European, American and Southeast Asian music educations. During the bachelor program, the undergraduate students will meet foreign guest teachers through courses, lectures, projects, interaction in ensemble and one-on-one teaching. The institute's partner institutions have been selected with the aim of giving students impulses from central international academic learning environments through schemes of teacher exchanges. Interaction in ensemble, courses and lectures with foreign guest teachers should complement the regular teaching and strengthen the bachelor's student learning outcomes.
Parts of the teaching and syllabus will be in English and facilitated for incoming exchange students.
Student exchange is normally facilitated in the 5th semester. On exchange students receive instruction in their main field of study. When entering into exchange agreements it is emphasized that the performance music environment at the partner institution has expertise that complements the student's instrumental background from the home institution. For further information check UiA’s website about exchange opportunities.
In order to advance to the 6th semester, the following courses must be passed:
The program qualifies for further studies in Popular Music Performance, a master's program at the University of Agder, as well as various master's programs in music and electronic music both in Norway and abroad.
The program qualifies for creative and performing work in the arts and culture sector. The program may be a starting point for a career in performing music, and the candidate will be able to choose professions with various tasks related to performing, songwriting, production, music technology, multimedia, composition and dissemination of music.
The program leads to the degree Bachelor in Popular Music Performance.
Student evaluation is conducted annually in study councils in line with the quality system chapter 4.2.
Compulsory study trips, courses and field trips do not entail any deductibles for the students. Voluntary study trips will be arranged where expenses can be incurred for the students. For those who do not have the opportunity to participate other activities will be conducted that will similarly strengthen the students' learning outcomes.
It is required that all students at UiA have their own laptop computer for use in teaching and examination, cf. Regulations on Studies and Examination at the University of Agder § 12d.
Students are expected to provide their own instrument.
Elective courses require at least 5 students, with the exception of the course MUR130-1 Instrument II. Reservations are made for the number of students for the start of the various courses in the 5th semester.
180
Full time
Kristiansand
Faculty of Fine Arts