Our BA programme in Music is designed to enable you to develop niche music knowledge, learn and grow intellectually and socially in a tertiary setting. The curriculum encourages development of creativity and critical thinking through the performance of Western and non-Western instruments as well as the study of music from analytical, historical, and ethnomusicological perspectives. Composition and music information technology also complement these areas of study.

Desired Learning Outcomes

Creating opportunities for students to explore different kinds of music is one of the fundamental strengths of the CUHK Music Department. On completion of the programme, the student is able to:

• Possess fundamental, core and interdisciplinary knowledge of music, including music theory, contextual study of music, performance on a major instrument and multiple musical traditions.
• Acquire transferable and professional skills including (i) ability to work independently and in groups, (ii) express themselves about music in written and spoken English and Chinese, (iii) think creatively and critically, (iv) make evidence-based critical judgements about musical performance, composition, and musical culture, and (v) perform at an appropriate professional level on their major instrument.
• Develop an open-minded toward different modes of musical expression, passion for communicating through music, awareness of and appreciation for the significance of music within all societies.

For the final-year capstone projects, the Department provides students with a choice of four areas of concentration, namely Composition, Performance, Pedagogy and Research.

THE FOUR STREAMS

Students are required to declare, at the end of year 2, one of the four areas of concentration, namely Composition, Pedagogy, Performance, and Research.

Composition

The composition stream provides students with a solid foundation on the techniques of instrumentation and orchestration, and enables them to acquire the creative and theoretical tools necessary toward developing a unique personal voice in their music.

Pedagogy Stream

The pedagogy stream provides students with opportunities to explore the world of music education.

Performance Stream

The performance stream provides training for students to develop their performing skills in the context of comprehensive music study.

Research Stream

The research stream provides training for students in the in the fields of music theory, music history, ethnomusicology, or Chinese music.