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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97903  Advanced Diploma in Music 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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 purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced specific skills and applied competence in their instruments that will provide continued personal and intellectual growth, and to make rewarding contributions to society, in the form of arts and culture. The 1-year Advanced Diploma in Music is designed to prepare learners for careers in solo and ensemble performance in this discipline. It also creates a track for learners who have completed the Diploma in Music Performance for entry into the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Music, and would also benefit BMus learners who wish to hone their skills in an additional year of study. Upon completion of the qualification learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological, psychological and ethno musicological aspects of Music, and the interaction with the other elements of culture.
  • Communicate their understanding and interpretation of creative and performing issues to others.
  • Compile a music composition portfolio and present them in a professional manner.

    Rationale:
    Performance learners who have completed a Bachelor of Music usually choose to do a Bachelor of Music Honours before doing a Master of Music, as there is a considerable increase in the level required between the Bachelor of Music and the Masters of Music. For learners who have completed a Diploma in Music Performance (equivalent in terms of practical requirements to a BMus, but at NQF 6), there is no equivalent 1-year course before doing a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Music. This represents an anomaly, and a gap in our practical qualification and the Advanced Diploma fills this gap. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission:
  • Appropriate Diploma or Bachelors' Degree.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The RPL procedures for admission to undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of Humanities apply. In addition applicants may be required to perform an audition and/or submit an audio-visual recording of a recent performance. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises 2 compulsory and 3 elective modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits. Learners must choose at least 1 elective.

    Modules:
    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7, 96 Credits:
  • Advanced Instrumental / Vocal Studies A, 48 Credits.
  • Advanced Instrumental / Vocal Studies B, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules at NQF Level 7 (Select one):
  • Advanced Transcription Methods (African Music), 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Repertoire Studies (Jazz),24 Credits.
  • Advanced Repertoire Studies (Western Classical), 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the sociological, psychological and ethno musicological aspects of Music, and the interaction with the other elements of culture.
    2. Communicate their understanding and interpretation of creative and performing issues to others.
    3. Compile a music composition portfolio and present them in a professional manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Musical data is read, critically understood and integrated and applied in the context of performance.
  • The significance of performance and creative expression in the various musical genres in the context of national and international developments in the arts is understood and appreciated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Performance and creative expression in the context of performance is communicated effectively to music audiences, using appropriate musical methods, skills and tools.
  • Technical, compositional and performance skills needed for a professional musician are analysed and demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A music composition portfolio covering a wide repertoire with appropriate style and creativity is compiled.
  • Advanced digital music techniques to create sound are applied.
  • Relevant compositional techniques in functional music are applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessments will consist of recitals, examined by a panel of experts, at least one of which is an external examiner and written assignments. Summative Assessments comprise tests and examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Victoria University in Australia offers an Advanced Diploma of Music. This qualification provides learners with an advanced range of competencies in the field of music performance. It also covers specific theoretical music knowledge with a strong practical base. Learners will develop collaborative skills, rehearsal techniques, solo performance competencies as well as techniques to understand and use common technological equipment used in the industry.

    The TAFE Queensland East Coast also offers an Advanced Diploma of Music. The Advanced Diploma of Music extends and refines a wide-range of analytical, technical, creative and conceptual field in the music industry. Performance may be as freelance, soloist or in a group. Specific skills include using musical instruments, leading a performance from a repertoire and improvisation. The will also refine other specialist skills related to the music industry such as project management, research, innovation and creative thinking, analysing and writing music.

    Conclusion:
    The above analysis shows some similarities of the Advanced Diploma offered locally and the one offered in other countries in terms of the purpose. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Music Performance at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music and Drama Performance at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Music Honours at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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 Cape Town 


    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.