SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96437  Higher Certificate in Music 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification serves to provide learners with basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for higher education studies in their chosen field on study. The intended outcome is to have more skilful musicians who will manage music projects through developing the skills to control, promote music and present themselves in a professional manner. It also intended to help in the improvement of musical skills and in developing many young talented musicians to play selected instruments.

Upon qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of understanding of the music rudiment forms in the construction of music.
  • Demonstrate abilities to incorporate music aspects that constitute music theory knowledge.
  • Demonstrate the ability to solve problems affecting musicians and the music industry through various skills.
  • Demonstrate and apply methods and procedure within the music industry.
  • Apply ethics and demonstrate professionalism within the music industry.

    Rationale:
    This qualification Higher Certificate in Music will help to equip musicians in South Africa who have no formal training and lack basic music knowledge so that they contribute fruitfully to the development of their music and others. Furthermore, educated musicians are expected to facilitate workshops in order to assist teachers to be able to teach music as a module in schools. In terms of profession, qualified musicians can work at the Department of Arts and Culture; the Department of Correctional Services also appoints qualified musicians to teach music and musical instruments to the inmates and at the South African Police Services who also appoint musicians to play in their brass bands. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Musicians who do not meet the University's entry requirements may be given an opportunity based on the following:
  • They must have a NQF Level 2 and a testimonial will be required.
  • Successful learners will then be auditioned and a selection test will be written to further asses their embedded knowledge and standard of performance.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement is the on the basis of one of the following:
  • A Senior Certificate without endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC).
    Or
  • National Vocational Certificate (NCV) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Music Literacy A, 20 Credits.
  • History of Music A, 15 Credits.
  • Instrumental Studies A, 15 Credits.
  • Practical Musicianship A, 10 Credits.
  • Music Literacy B, 20 Credits.
  • History of Music B, 15 Credits.
  • Instrumental Studies B, 15 Credits.
  • Practical Musicianship B, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of understanding of the music rudiment forms in the construction of music.
    2. Demonstrate abilities to incorporate music aspects that constitute music theory knowledge.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to solve problems affecting musicians and the music industry through various skills.
    4. Demonstrate and apply methods and procedure within the music industry.
    5. Apply ethics and demonstrate professionalism within the music industry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Formation of Chords, intervals and progressions are acknowledged and applied.
  • Melodic and rhythmic dictation is demonstrated.
  • Musical styles are interpreted and a simple song is composed.
  • Music notation is used to construct scales and write chords and chord progressions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Melodic and rhythmic dictation is demonstrated according to specified standards.
  • In-depth knowledge of note values such as semi breve, minim, crotchet, quavers and semi quavers should are used in the keys of C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C are to be used in twelve bar rhythm.
  • Various musical styles are interpreted and a song is composed according to music theory rudiments.
  • Scales are applied and created, and chords and chord progressions are written according to music notation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Performing music piecesun/accompanied and differing in genre with accompaniment are chosen with suitable rhythm and phrasing, on a suitable tempo.
  • The given time Signature, e.g. 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8, 9/8 and 12/8 is played and observed.
  • Key signatures e.g. C, G, F, D, Bb, A, E, Eb, Ab, B, F#, G and Bb major and their relative minors are identified and applied.
  • Note values and rests of semi-breve, minim, crochet, quaver notes, crochet, quaver triplets and rests are identified, the dots and ties for all the above note values are included.
  • Technical performance skills on a chosen instrument are demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Informed staging is planned and performance is established according to given situations according to standard music industry practice.
  • Music repertoire is rehearsed and performed according to variety including: any genres and original compositions.
  • Elements and cultural contexts of music are described according to standard music industry practice.
  • The choice of styles and genres are included from African, Europe, North America, South America, Australasia etc.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Ethical beliefs and practices, approving the right to freedom of enquiry and communication are reflected on according to moral beliefs.
  • Compliant accountability integral in such freedom is demonstrated in terms of competency, objectivity, consistency, integrity and continual concern for the best interests of society and the music profession.
  • Development of ethical integrity is demonstrated by relating ethical acts.
  • Appropriate behaviour for qualified musicians is demonstrated and good relationships with their audience is displayed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Two forms of assessment will be conducted during the offering of this qualification, namely; formative and summative. Formative assessment will be conducted using tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance. The summative assessment will entail written and practical examinations as detailed in the various modules. Apart from written assessments, the focus is on choral performance assessed by inside and outside experts. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparison for the Higher Certificate in Music NQF Level 5 was conducted against international qualifications within the context of institutions with world-renowned reputations for the provision of music qualifications. The qualification was compared with qualifications from universities of following countries: Universities of Stanford and of Yale in United States of America, Academy of Contemporary Music in United Kingdom, and University of Tasmania in Australia.

    Certificate in Music - Stanford University - USA:
    The music certificate qualification provides a solid foundation for those entering the music industry, whether it's to play instruments or learn about music production and song writing. Once learners graduate, they will be able to discuss in detail the characteristics about musical composers, as well as sight-read and perform simple musical compositions, describe historical periods of music and analyse music theory.

    Learners majoring in music pursue foundational theoretical and historical coursework before moving on to this in-depth, writing intensive musical analysis module. Typical modules covered in the qualification include the following:
  • Music theory.
  • Keyboard skills.
  • Music history.
  • Popular music.
  • Music appreciation.
  • Song writing.

    Popular career opportunities upon completion of the qualification include; Music Director or Conductor, Arranger, Composer, Music School Teacher or Private lesson instructor.

    Certificate in Performance - Yale School of Music (University of Yale) - USA:
    The Certificate in Performance is a qualification designed for performers who do not yet hold a Bachelors' Degree and who aim to study their craft at the highest level. Applicants must have a high school Degree or equivalent in order to apply. All learners will perform a public recital as part of their assessment.

    In addition to their lessons, learners study music history and hearing, as well as non-performance electives. All learners participate in chamber music, and perform in New Music, New Haven and the Yale Philharmonia.

    Guitar Certificate HE - Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM) - UK:
    The ACM offers fulltime music performance and audio production courses. The Guitar Certificate HE qualification is within the performance band and is done over a one year period. The qualification comprises of the following modules:
  • Applied Technical Studies.
  • Live Performance Practice 1.
  • Professional Sight Reading and Ear Training.
  • Professional Artist Portfolio Level.

    The purpose of the qualification is to focus on practical and technical skills, cutting-edge music industry knowledge, theory and analysis, composition and arrangement and culminates in the learners' ability to create, refine and ultimately be ready to market their product, be that as artists, freelance musicians or composers. Learners on the qualification will experience intensive vocational training, combining world-class music performance skills, whilst gaining a comprehensive understanding of the music industry.

    The Guitar Cert HE consists of 30 weeks of in-depth teaching and assessments lasting for one year. Completion of the qualification opens up the possibility of progression onto one of ACM's degree qualifications.

    Graduate Certificate in Music (GradCertMus) (Specialisation) - University of Tasmania - Australia:
    The purpose of the GradCertMus is to provide a quality tertiary qualification as a professional coursework qualification. The qualification aims to provide learners with high-level skills as performers or composers; and with a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of repertoire and concepts. Learners will be required to think professionally about their work and to plan for their own continuing development.

    The course structure for the qualification is as follows:
  • Performance 1.
  • Composition 1.
  • Music Research Methodology.
  • Complementary Study.
  • Orchestral.

    Conclusion:
    In conclusion it is evident that this qualification is comparable with the international qualifications as with its purpose and module focus areas. The Higher Certificate in Music does not specify (on the modules indicated) the instruments that learners will be taught, however the modular similarities relates to disciplines such as instrumental studies and practical musicianship. In these modules music knowledge is acquired and demonstrated. Although comparability was done to the Guitar Certificate in the UK, similarities in modular competencies were identified. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides the following articulation opportunities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Creative Music Technology, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Performer's Licentiate in Music, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Music Performance, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Music Technology, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Performing Arts in Musical Theatre, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Practical Music, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Community Music in Theatre and Dance, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Venda 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.