UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS DEP. OF MUSIC EDUCATION BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC
PROGRAMME TITLE Bachelor of Arts in Music Type of accreditation required Accreditation Brief historical background of each programme of study. Background information In 1992, the National Academy of Music was absorbed into the then University College of Education as the department of Music Education. It has continued to train both music teachers and musicians. In 1995, it begun to admit Senior Secondary School leavers into the Bachelor of Education (Music), programme, which had hitherto been the preserve of already trained professional teachers. The Bachelor of Arts in Music is a relatively new programme that came into being in the 2007/2008 academic year. It is a build up on the Diploma programme which has the objective of inculcating in its products the requisite knowledge and practical skills in music, and also train talented musicians in various areas of music and dance. Vision The Department of Music Education shall be a centre of excellence for the training of music teachers and professional musicians and dance instructors, and be internationally recognized as a centre for the promotion of African Music and Dance. Mission The Department will inculcate in its products the requisite knowledge and practical skills in music teaching at all pre-tertiary levels in Ghana, and also train talented musicians in various areas of music and dance. Unit of the institution to offer/offering each programme of study: Name of Faculty/College/School/Institute/Department School of Creative Arts, Department of Music Education Date of establishment: 1992 Rationale, goals and objectives of the programme of study: (a) Rationale The mandate of the department of music education is to prepare music teachers to teach at pre-tertiary levels of education in Ghana. However, contemporary trends and demands in music careers have dictated the pace for expansion in the knowledge base of the curriculum. In the light of this, the department seeks to train and equip Bachelor of Arts in Music students with appropriate skills to pursue careers in the music industry as music technicians, studio managers, music broadcasters and theatre directors. (b) Goals and objectives To enable students to take up leadership roles in the music industry.
To train students to contribute their expertise to Cultural Festivals in the country. To educate students to effect the dedication of Ghanaians to their indigenous music Employment prospects of Graduands Job Opportunities Graduates of the programme may be employed as: Culture Organisers Music Technicians Studio Managers Producers and Music Broadcasters Directors and organizers of Cultural Groups Cultural Attachés Theatre Directors Entry requirements for admission of students (a) Direct candidates Candidates must have passes in three core and three elective subjects. A pass in Music will be an advantage. (b) Mature Candidates Candidates must be at least 25 years by 1st September of the Academic year, hold SSCE/ WASSCE or Certificate of professional training from a recognized institution, pass the UEW Entrance Examination and a Departmental Interview. Requirements for Graduation B. A. in Music students must have accumulated a minimum of 120 credits. Components of each programme of study (where applicable) (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Required (core) course (s) Elective course (s) Research component Practical training, industrial attachment, internship, clinical experience, etc., Semester - by semester schedule of course, showing the credit value of each course. COURSE DESCRIPTIONS BM U 111 Rudiments and Theory of Music The course is designed to introduce students to basic Rudiments of Music. This includes staff notation, terms and signs as used in performance procedures, scales, diatonic intervals, triads, time signatures and melody writing up to 8 bars.
BMU 112 Musical Styles I: Introduction to Ethnomusicology This course is an introductory study of music in culture. It seeks to develop in students an appreciation of the social power and importance of music. The focus is on African music and it will consider the various contexts within which traditional music is performed in African societies. The course will consider the major contributory factors to the evolution and development of neo-traditional music in some selected African countries; music in traditional religion and rites of passage, economic, occupational and recreational activities; praise singing, music in traditional informal education such as storytelling and the place of music in soothsaying and secret societies. BMU 113 Principal Instrument & Ensemble I The course is an introduction to the basic techniques required for solo performance of a student s principal instrument and in an ensemble of his/her major instrument. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency and in the consistent building of repertoire in the student s principal instrument. Students will be introduced to the playing of technical exercises and the playing of the major scales of C and G. Students will be introduced to reading at sight in the selected scales to enhance proficiency in one s principal instrument. Assessment will be in the performance and repertoire from various eras of Western and African Music. It is a requirement for students to participate in Mixed, Male/female choirs throughout the programme. This will inculcate into them the art of listening and performing within a group. Assessment will take into consideration the standard and quality of performance, variety of repertoire and the contributions of individual members of the ensemble. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 115 Keyboard Skills I The course introduces students to the basic techniques required for solo performance of an instrument focusing on reading and playing skills for elementary keyboard repertoire. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency. Students will study varied elementary repertoire from both Western and African sources. Foundation is laid for critical listening and sight reading. BMU 116 Aural and Sight Singing I The Course lays the foundation for critical listening and sight singing. It includes elementary pitch and rhythm discrimination, melodic writing and dictation in major keys and simple time; ear training and sight singing of simple melodies in Simple time. BMU 121 Elementary Harmony The course is designed to strengthen students in Basic rudiments of music. Students will be introduced to 4-part writing skills in harmony and will be required to add 3 parts to a given melody or bass. Students will be introduced to basic principles of chord progression and voice leading and application of this principle in the harmonization of both major and minor modes using primary and secondary chords as well harmonization of cadences, setting words to music, and melody writing for both voice and instruments. BMU 122 Musical Styles II: Introduction to Western Music Lit. This course provides an introduction to elements of selected western musical types. It focuses on countries and personalities and their contribution to the development of Western art music. It covers early church music and brief historical background to the music of the Renais-
sance including the Mass, Gregorian chants, and organum as well as contributions of Ambrose, Pope Gregory and Gregorian chants. It will also consider the music of the Baroque-the cantata, opera, and oratorio and instrumental forms such as the Sonata, Suite, Concerto Grosso; It will also cover the General nature of classical music-sonata Allegro form and Romantic Period-Programme music, the Art song (Lied) BMU 123 Principal Instrument & Ensemble II The course is the elementary level for solo performance in a student s principal instrument and in an ensemble of his/her principal instrument. It focuses on improving group sound, musical interpretation and public performance. Attention is given to skills and techniques appropriate at this level: technical exercises, scales and sight reading in the major scales of C, G, F and D. Regular ensemble performances will culminate in lunch time concerts and end-of-semester ensemble performances. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 124 Music Technology This course offers a comprehensive study of music and technology, including electroacoustic music, computer and MIDI applications, sequencing, soundscape and multimedia composition, music and the web. Digital studio work-principles of physical acoustics: acoustics of musical instruments, the human voice and concert halls. The course will include strategies for writing, recording and producing music in the context of an integrated MIDI and Digital audio production environment. BMU 125 Musicianship I The course introduces students to the basic techniques required for solo performance of an instrument focusing on reading and playing skills for elementary keyboard repertoire. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency. Students will study varied elementary repertoire from both Western and African sources. Foundation is laid for critical listening and sight singing. It includes elementary pitch and rhythm discrimination, melodic writing and dictation in major keys and simple time. BMU 231 Composition I The course is designed to strengthen students knowledge in harmony and to introduce them to 2-part counterpoint. It includes writing of simple tunes for voice and/or instruments with accompaniment in simple forms such as binary and ternary. Students will be required to add simple counterpoint to melodies: note against note, two notes against one. BMU 232 Musicianship II (Keyboard Skills/Aural & Sight) Further development of technical and sight reading skills for the performance of late intermediate and early keyboard repertoire. Attention is given to interpretation, individual style and concert performance. Students are encouraged to perform in departmental ensemble settings. BMU 233 Principal Instrument & Ensemble III The Primary level of the course will consolidate the foundation laid at the Introduction and Elementary levels of the course. Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises, Major scales of C, G, D, and A, arpeggio in C major for proficiency and preparation for public performance. Students will perform selected pieces on their principal instruments and perform in an ensemble of their principal instrument.
BMU 234 Art Music in Ghana The course involves a detailed study of the development of Ghanaian art music. It will look at the development of Ghanaian art music as exemplified in the works of Amu, Nketia, Nayo, and Amissah among others. Attention will be paid to styles and representative repertoire of each composer. BMU 235 Music Technology II This course offers a comprehensive study of music and technology, including electroacoustic music, computer and MIDI applications, soundscape and multimedia composition, music and the web. Digital studio work: principles of physical acoustics acoustics of musical instruments, the human voice and concert halls. The course will include strategies for writing, recording and producing music in the context of an integrated MIDI and Digital audio production environment. BMU 241 Composition II The course will look at both Western and African instruments, their capabilities and characteristics, and a mental conception of their sounds, both individually and in combination. Students will undertake the arrangement of simple pieces for voices Strings, Winds and a combination of these. Scoring for Dance Band and for African Instruments will also be discussed. BMU 242 Music Aesthetics and Criticism This course explores questions about the nature of musical expression, making musical value judgments, whether music has a moral character. Expressive, symbolic, structural and linguistic approaches to musical meaning will be examined. BMU 243 Principal Instrument & Ensemble IV At the Lower level of the course, students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. From this level, the playing of scales will be subject to the limitation of the principal instrument in question. The major scales of C, G, D and A, F, Bb, E, Eb, Ab and A Minor will be required. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 244 Keyboard Skills IV The course focuses on solo instrument playing: Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance. For students offering Piano as a major instrument, the minor instrument shall be any Western melodic instrument, voice or any two of the following African instrument combinations (xylophone, drums, and atenteben). For non-piano majors, keyboard Skills shall be a required course. BMU 245 Popular Music in Ghana The course focuses on the styles, forms and development of 20th century popular music in Ghana. The social, commercial and technical aspects of popular music are considered. In addition, innovations in the fields of popular music from Highlife to Hiplife will be focused on.
BMU 246 Aural & Sight Singing IV The course further develops student s techniques required for solo performance of an instrument. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency. *ELECTIVE COURSES (ONE ONLY) BMU 247A Choral Directing The course is designed to familiarize students with general rehearsal techniques. In addition, it prepares them for such leadership roles as director of choirs or director of bands. The course will include conducting and analysis of both choral and instrumental scores and the preparation of students for public performances. Care of musical instruments and voice therapy will also be discussed. BMU 247B Military Band Directing The course focuses on the organisational, rehearsal and performance techniques; the use of the baton and the other hand; Military Band and brass Band Open Scores; Military Parades and other ceremonies; Building up a repertoire; Care and maintenance of musical instruments. BMU 247C Dance Band Directing The course focuses on the organisational, rehearsal and performance techniques; showmanship and stage craft; balance of sound from amplification systems; care and maintenance of instruments and electronic equipment; discipline and personal relationship among band personnel. BMU 247D African Music and Dance Directing The course is designed to prepare students to demonstrate organisational ability in the performance of traditional musical genres. Again, it is designed to help students to be able to perform transcribed indigenous musics. And the creation of choreographed dances. BMU 247E Brass Band Directing The course is designed to further enhance students skills in interpreting musical scores and to demonstrate proficiency in organising and conducting brass band music. The course is also designed to enhance musical reading skills of the student. BMU 247F Dance Drama Directing The course introduces students to music, dance, mime and drama as elements of an integrated art form. Studies in the types of music, dance and drama and the manner of their performance. Dance drama and communication, gesture, posture and attitudes in different social and emotional situations, further exploration in movement improvisation, building up through the exploration of various kinds of movement sequences. The course also aims at analyzing dance drama, its techniques and problems of directing in helping students to develop their potentials. BMU 351 Composition III This course is designed to further strengthen the student s skills in arranging for various mediums. Students will compose between 8 and 36 bars of music in various forms and styles, and to arrange for various mediums and instruments of their choice. It will give students the op-
portunity to apply their knowledge of music theory to actual composition in specific styles and to emulate the stylistic features of Ghanaian composers like Amu, Nketia, Nayo and Amissah and their contemporaries. BMU 352 Principal Instrument & Ensemble V At the intermediate level of performance of principal instrument and in ensemble participation, The Major scales of C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db and Minor scales of A and E will be required. From this level onwards, students are expected to start composing their own works for ensemble performance. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 353 Keyboard Skills V The course focuses on solo instrument playing: Students will continue with their skills on the keyboard of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance BMU 354 Music in African Cultures The course exposes the student to (1) the major contributory factors to the evolution and development of neo-traditional music in some selected African countries; and (2) detailed study of elements of African music, especially the form and structure as well as changes in the instrumental resources and expressive elements such as texture, rhythm, melody and as they relate to neo-traditional music, contemporary popular music, Afro-European Art music and popular or folk theatre. BMU 355 African Music and Dance The course is designed to acquaint themselves with the basic issues involved in the organization of dance ensembles. The students are to exhibit knowledge and skills in teaching, rehearsing and directing the performance of an indigenous Ghanaian Music BMU 356 Aural & Sight Singing I V The course is designed to further sharpen the aural discrimination of the student and improve his/her listening skills including tonal variation, identification of simple modulation- relative major and minor. Topics will run through a) MELODY: singing and writing from dictation short melodic tunes b) RHYTHM: transcription of short pieces on monotone c) CHORD: identification and writing down chords in root, first and second inversions. D) HARMONY: Singing and accompanying oneself on the keyboard E) Sight singing of short melodies in Simple and compound times. BMU 361 Composition V (Music Analysis) Students will be encouraged to write for a wide variety of forces, dance types; dance drama; small chamber combinations of African instruments and/or voices. The project will be performed before a panel of examiners to an audience. Performance will not be less than three minutes. Two bound copies of the work will be submitted to the Department BMU 362 Music of the Baroque era The course introduces students to undertake an in-depth study of music of the Baroque period. Students will gain insight and understanding of the characteristics and stylistic developments in the music of the era. Representative composers and their works will be studied.
BMU 363 Principal Instrument & Ensemble VI At the higher level of this course more emphasis is placed on technical fluency and interpretation. Attention is paid to quality of performance and contribution of individuals. Students develop proficiency in technique in their individual instruments and sight reading. It is expected that students select and perform advanced repertoire with emphasis on solo performance in terms of interpretation, and style. The major scales of C, G, D, A, E, B, F #, F, B b, E b, A b, D b, G b; Minor Scales of A, E, D will be required. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 364 Keyboard Skills VI The course focuses on developing sight reading and technical proficiency for playing hymns, chorale, harmonise melodies: Recognition of cadences as perfect, imperfect, plagal and interrupted. Playing the Major scales of C, G, D and the minor scales of A and D. Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance BMU 365 Music in Film The course examines the techniques, styles and functions of music in film, and how music interacts with image and narrative to create meanings. Weekly screenings of films selected from various sources will be part of the course. BMU 471 Music of the Classical & Romantic Eras The course is a study of music of the Classical and Romantic periods focusing on the characteristics and stylistic developments of the era, as well as representative composers and their repertoire. BMU 472 Principal Instrument & Ensemble VII At the Advance and final stage of the course, attention is given to interpretation, individual style and concert performance. Students are encouraged to lead performances in departmental ensemble settings. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance. All Major scales and the Minor scales of A, E, D and C will be required. In addition, Chromatic scale beginning from C and contrary motion scale beginning from C and E will be required. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 473 Keyboard Skills VI I The course focuses on developing sight reading and technical proficiency for playing hymns, chorale, harmonization of melodies. For students offering Piano as a major instrument, the minor instrument shall be any Western melodic instrument, voice or any two of the following African instrument combinations (xylophone, drums, and atenteben). For non-piano majors, keyboard Skills shall be a required course. BMU 474 Psychology of Music The course is designed to expose students to music from a behavioural science perspective. Topics include auditory and musical perception, music cognition, musical aptitudes and abilities, learning and pedagogy, creative thinking and aesthetic experience, emotive human
responses and the social psychology of music activities. BMU 475 The Study of indigenous Ghanaian Dances The course is designed to acquaint students with the basic issues involved in the organization of dance ensembles. The students are to exhibit knowledge and skills in teaching, rehearsing and directing the performance of an indigenous Ghanaian Music BMU 476 Music Portfolio The course prepares students to the building of portfolios of their creative works from Level One Hundred through to Level Four Hundred. Student will select mediums of their choice for performance in a concert. BMU 481 Original Composition Students will be encouraged to write for a wide variety of forces, dance types; dance drama; small chamber combinations of African instruments and/or voices. The project will be performed before a panel of examiners to an audience. Performance will not be less than three minutes. Two bound copies of the work will be submitted to the Department BMU 482 Principal Instrument VIII The course focuses on solo instrument playing: Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance BMU 483 Keyboard Skills VIII The course further develops listening, accompanying and sight reading skills in major and minor tonalities (up to 4 sharps and 4 flats); harmonization and transposition of melodies and singing and accompanying one s self on the keyboard, late intermediate level repertoire building and playing of hymns. ELECTIVE COURSES (ONE ONLY) BMU 484A Choral Directing The course is designed to help students familiarize with general rehearsal techniques. In addition, it prepares them for such leadership roles as director of choirs or director of bands. The course will include conducting and analysis of both choral and instrumental scores and the preparation of students for public performances. Care of musical instruments and voice therapy will also be discussed. BMU 484B Military Band Directing The course focuses on the organisational, rehearsal and performance techniques; the use of the baton and the other hand; Military Band and brass Band Open Scores; Military Parades and other ceremonies; Building up a repertoire; Care and maintenance of musical instruments.
BMU 484C Dance Band Directing The aim of this course is to enhance students skills in interpreting musical scores and to demonstrate proficiency in organising and conducting choral management. BMU 484D African Dance Directing African Dance Directing aims at preparing students to demonstrate organisational ability in the performance of traditional musical genres. Again, it is designed to help students to be able to perform transcribed indigenous musics and to create choreographed dances. BMU 484E Brass Band Directing The course is designed to further enhance students skills in interpreting musical scores and to demonstrate proficiency in organising and conducting brass band music. The course is also designed to enhance musical reading skills of the student BMU 484F Dance Drama Directing This is a continuation of Dance Drama I. Students will further explore the principles of dance-drama compositions as related to the theatrical stage, with development of improvisational skills and the examination of the concepts of space, time, phrase, direction and structure using the body as a creative art form in communicating a wordview through artistic expression. Further exploration in the making of dance-drama and staging, creative movement development fusion of movement and music, improvisation and its significance. Creation of dance-drama to suit different occasions. BM U 111 Rudiments and Theory of Music The course is designed to introduce students to basic Rudiments of Music. This includes staff notation, terms and signs as used in performance procedures, scales, diatonic intervals, triads, time signatures and melody writing up to 8 bars. BMU 112 Musical Styles I: Introduction to Ethnomusicology This course is an introductory study of music in culture. It seeks to develop in students an appreciation of the social power and importance of music. The focus is on African music and it will consider the various contexts within which traditional music is performed in African societies. The course will consider the major contributory factors to the evolution and development of neo-traditional music in some selected African countries; music in traditional religion and rites of passage, economic, occupational and recreational activities; praise singing, music in traditional informal education such as storytelling and the place of music in soothsaying and secret societies. BMU 113 Principal Instrument & Ensemble I The course is an introduction to the basic techniques required for solo performance of a student s principal instrument and in an ensemble of his/her major instrument. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency and in the consistent building of repertoire in the student s principal instrument. Students will be introduced to the playing of technical exercises and the playing of the major scales of C and G. Students will be introduced to reading at sight in the selected scales to enhance proficiency in one s principal instrument. Assessment will be in the performance and repertoire from various eras of Western and African Music. It is a requirement for students to participate in Mixed, Male/female choirs throughout the programme. This will inculcate into them the art of listening and performing within a group. Assessment will take into consideration the standard
and quality of performance, variety of repertoire and the contributions of individual members of the ensemble. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 115 Keyboard Skills I The course introduces students to the basic techniques required for solo performance of an instrument focusing on reading and playing skills for elementary keyboard repertoire. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency. Students will study varied elementary repertoire from both Western and African sources. Foundation is laid for critical listening and sight reading. BMU 116 Aural and Sight Singing I The Course lays the foundation for critical listening and sight singing. It includes elementary pitch and rhythm discrimination, melodic writing and dictation in major keys and simple time; ear training and sight singing of simple melodies in Simple time. BMU 121 Elementary Harmony The course is designed to strengthen students in Basic rudiments of music. Students will be introduced to 4-part writing skills in harmony and will be required to add 3 parts to a given melody or bass. Students will be introduced to basic principles of chord progression and voice leading and application of this principle in the harmonization of both major and minor modes using primary and secondary chords as well harmonization of cadences, setting words to music, and melody writing for both voice and instruments. BMU 122 Musical Styles II: Introduction to Western Music Lit. This course provides an introduction to elements of selected western musical types. It focuses on countries and personalities and their contribution to the development of Western art music. It covers early church music and brief historical background to the music of the Renaissance including the Mass, Gregorian chants, and organum as well as contributions of Ambrose, Pope Gregory and Gregorian chants. It will also consider the music of the Baroque-the cantata, opera, and oratorio and instrumental forms such as the Sonata, Suite, Concerto Grosso; It will also cover the General nature of classical music-sonata Allegro form and Romantic Period-Programme music, the Art song (Lied) BMU 123 Principal Instrument & Ensemble II The course is the elementary level for solo performance in a student s principal instrument and in an ensemble of his/her principal instrument. It focuses on improving group sound, musical interpretation and public performance. Attention is given to skills and techniques appropriate at this level: technical exercises, scales and sight reading in the major scales of C, G, F and D. Regular ensemble performances will culminate in lunch time concerts and end-of-semester ensemble performances. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 124 Music Technology This course offers a comprehensive study of music and technology, including electroacoustic music, computer and MIDI applications, sequencing, soundscape and multimedia composition, music and the web. Digital studio work-principles of physical acoustics: acoustics of musical instruments, the human voice and concert halls. The course will include strategies for writing, recording and producing music in the context of an integrated MIDI and Digital audio
production environment. BMU 125 Musicianship I The course introduces students to the basic techniques required for solo performance of an instrument focusing on reading and playing skills for elementary keyboard repertoire. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency. Students will study varied elementary repertoire from both Western and African sources. Foundation is laid for critical listening and sight singing. It includes elementary pitch and rhythm discrimination, melodic writing and dictation in major keys and simple time. BMU 231 Composition I The course is designed to strengthen students knowledge in harmony and to introduce them to 2-part counterpoint. It includes writing of simple tunes for voice and/or instruments with accompaniment in simple forms such as binary and ternary. Students will be required to add simple counterpoint to melodies: note against note, two notes against one. BMU 232 Musicianship II (Keyboard Skills/Aural & Sight) Further development of technical and sight reading skills for the performance of late intermediate and early keyboard repertoire. Attention is given to interpretation, individual style and concert performance. Students are encouraged to perform in departmental ensemble settings. BMU 233 Principal Instrument & Ensemble III The Primary level of the course will consolidate the foundation laid at the Introduction and Elementary levels of the course. Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises, Major scales of C, G, D, and A, arpeggio in C major for proficiency and preparation for public performance. Students will perform selected pieces on their principal instruments and perform in an ensemble of their principal instrument. BMU 234 Art Music in Ghana The course involves a detailed study of the development of Ghanaian art music. It will look at the development of Ghanaian art music as exemplified in the works of Amu, Nketia, Nayo, and Amissah among others. Attention will be paid to styles and representative repertoire of each composer. BMU 235 Music Technology II This course offers a comprehensive study of music and technology, including electroacoustic music, computer and MIDI applications, soundscape and multimedia composition, music and the web. Digital studio work: principles of physical acoustics acoustics of musical instruments, the human voice and concert halls. The course will include strategies for writing, recording and producing music in the context of an integrated MIDI and Digital audio production environment. BMU 241 Composition II The course will look at both Western and African instruments, their capabilities and characteristics, and a mental conception of their sounds, both individually and in combination. Students will undertake the arrangement of simple pieces for voices Strings, Winds and a combination of these. Scoring for Dance Band and for African Instruments will also be discussed.
BMU 242 Music Aesthetics and Criticism This course explores questions about the nature of musical expression, making musical value judgments, whether music has a moral character. Expressive, symbolic, structural and linguistic approaches to musical meaning will be examined. BMU 243 Principal Instrument & Ensemble IV At the Lower level of the course, students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. From this level, the playing of scales will be subject to the limitation of the principal instrument in question. The major scales of C, G, D and A, F, Bb, E, Eb, Ab and A Minor will be required. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 244 Keyboard Skills IV The course focuses on solo instrument playing: Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance. For students offering Piano as a major instrument, the minor instrument shall be any Western melodic instrument, voice or any two of the following African instrument combinations (xylophone, drums, and atenteben). For non-piano majors, keyboard Skills shall be a required course. BMU 245 Popular Music in Ghana The course focuses on the styles, forms and development of 20th century popular music in Ghana. The social, commercial and technical aspects of popular music are considered. In addition, innovations in the fields of popular music from Highlife to Hiplife will be focused on. BMU 246 Aural & Sight Singing IV The course further develops student s techniques required for solo performance of an instrument. Attention is given to skills and techniques necessary for reading and playing at increasing level of proficiency. *ELECTIVE COURSES (ONE ONLY) BMU 247A Choral Directing The course is designed to familiarize students with general rehearsal techniques. In addition, it prepares them for such leadership roles as director of choirs or director of bands. The course will include conducting and analysis of both choral and instrumental scores and the preparation of students for public performances. Care of musical instruments and voice therapy will also be discussed. BMU 247B Military Band Directing The course focuses on the organisational, rehearsal and performance techniques; the use of the baton and the other hand; Military Band and brass Band Open Scores; Military Parades and other ceremonies; Building up a repertoire; Care and maintenance of musical instruments.
BMU 247C Dance Band Directing The course focuses on the organisational, rehearsal and performance techniques; showmanship and stage craft; balance of sound from amplification systems; care and maintenance of instruments and electronic equipment; discipline and personal relationship among band personnel. BMU 247D African Music and Dance Directing The course is designed to prepare students to demonstrate organisational ability in the performance of traditional musical genres. Again, it is designed to help students to be able to perform transcribed indigenous musics. And the creation of choreographed dances. BMU 247E Brass Band Directing The course is designed to further enhance students skills in interpreting musical scores and to demonstrate proficiency in organising and conducting brass band music. The course is also designed to enhance musical reading skills of the student. BMU 247F Dance Drama Directing The course introduces students to music, dance, mime and drama as elements of an integrated art form. Studies in the types of music, dance and drama and the manner of their performance. Dance drama and communication, gesture, posture and attitudes in different social and emotional situations, further exploration in movement improvisation, building up through the exploration of various kinds of movement sequences. The course also aims at analyzing dance drama, its techniques and problems of directing in helping students to develop their potentials. BMU 351 Composition III This course is designed to further strengthen the student s skills in arranging for various mediums. Students will compose between 8 and 36 bars of music in various forms and styles, and to arrange for various mediums and instruments of their choice. It will give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge of music theory to actual composition in specific styles and to emulate the stylistic features of Ghanaian composers like Amu, Nketia, Nayo and Amissah and their contemporaries. BMU 352 Principal Instrument & Ensemble V At the intermediate level of performance of principal instrument and in ensemble participation, The Major scales of C, G, D, A, E, B, F, Bb, Eb, Ab, Db and Minor scales of A and E will be required. From this level onwards, students are expected to start composing their own works for ensemble performance. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 353 Keyboard Skills V The course focuses on solo instrument playing: Students will continue with their skills on the keyboard of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance BMU 354 Music in African Cultures The course exposes the student to (1) the major contributory factors to the evolution and development of neo-traditional music in some selected African countries; and (2) detailed
study of elements of African music, especially the form and structure as well as changes in the instrumental resources and expressive elements such as texture, rhythm, melody and as they relate to neo-traditional music, contemporary popular music, Afro-European Art music and popular or folk theatre. BMU 355 African Music and Dance The course is designed to acquaint themselves with the basic issues involved in the organization of dance ensembles. The students are to exhibit knowledge and skills in teaching, rehearsing and directing the performance of an indigenous Ghanaian Music BMU 356 Aural & Sight Singing I V The course is designed to further sharpen the aural discrimination of the student and improve his/her listening skills including tonal variation, identification of simple modulation- relative major and minor. Topics will run through a) MELODY: singing and writing from dictation short melodic tunes b) RHYTHM: transcription of short pieces on monotone c) CHORD: identification and writing down chords in root, first and second inversions. D) HARMONY: Singing and accompanying oneself on the keyboard E) Sight singing of short melodies in Simple and compound times. BMU 361 Composition V (Music Analysis) Students will be encouraged to write for a wide variety of forces, dance types; dance drama; small chamber combinations of African instruments and/or voices. The project will be performed before a panel of examiners to an audience. Performance will not be less than three minutes. Two bound copies of the work will be submitted to the Department BMU 362 Music of the Baroque era The course introduces students to undertake an in-depth study of music of the Baroque period. Students will gain insight and understanding of the characteristics and stylistic developments in the music of the era. Representative composers and their works will be studied. BMU 363 Principal Instrument & Ensemble VI At the higher level of this course more emphasis is placed on technical fluency and interpretation. Attention is paid to quality of performance and contribution of individuals. Students develop proficiency in technique in their individual instruments and sight reading. It is expected that students select and perform advanced repertoire with emphasis on solo performance in terms of interpretation, and style. The major scales of C, G, D, A, E, B, F #, F, B b, E b, A b, D b, G b; Minor Scales of A, E, D will be required. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 364 Keyboard Skills VI The course focuses on developing sight reading and technical proficiency for playing hymns, chorale, harmonise melodies: Recognition of cadences as perfect, imperfect, plagal and interrupted. Playing the Major scales of C, G, D and the minor scales of A and D. Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance
BMU 365 Music in Film The course examines the techniques, styles and functions of music in film, and how music interacts with image and narrative to create meanings. Weekly screenings of films selected from various sources will be part of the course. BMU 471 Music of the Classical & Romantic Eras The course is a study of music of the Classical and Romantic periods focusing on the characteristics and stylistic developments of the era, as well as representative composers and their repertoire. BMU 472 Principal Instrument & Ensemble VII At the Advance and final stage of the course, attention is given to interpretation, individual style and concert performance. Students are encouraged to lead performances in departmental ensemble settings. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance. All Major scales and the Minor scales of A, E, D and C will be required. In addition, Chromatic scale beginning from C and contrary motion scale beginning from C and E will be required. Students will perform in their respective ensembles and perform selected pieces on their principal instrument at the end of the semester. BMU 473 Keyboard Skills VI I The course focuses on developing sight reading and technical proficiency for playing hymns, chorale, harmonization of melodies. For students offering Piano as a major instrument, the minor instrument shall be any Western melodic instrument, voice or any two of the following African instrument combinations (xylophone, drums, and atenteben). For non-piano majors, keyboard Skills shall be a required course. BMU 474 Psychology of Music The course is designed to expose students to music from a behavioural science perspective. Topics include auditory and musical perception, music cognition, musical aptitudes and abilities, learning and pedagogy, creative thinking and aesthetic experience, emotive human responses and the social psychology of music activities. BMU 475 The Study of indigenous Ghanaian Dances The course is designed to acquaint students with the basic issues involved in the organization of dance ensembles. The students are to exhibit knowledge and skills in teaching, rehearsing and directing the performance of an indigenous Ghanaian Music BMU 476 Music Portfolio The course prepares students to the building of portfolios of their creative works from Level One Hundred through to Level Four Hundred. Student will select mediums of their choice for performance in a concert. BMU 481 Original Composition Students will be encouraged to write for a wide variety of forces, dance types; dance drama; small chamber combinations of African instruments and/or voices. The project will be performed before a panel of examiners to an audience. Performance will not be less than three minutes. Two bound copies of the work will be submitted to the Department
BMU 482 Principal Instrument VIII The course focuses on solo instrument playing: Students will continue with their chosen instruments and study technical exercises of higher degree for proficiency and prepare for the performance of such pieces as recommended according to their aptitude. Assessment will be based on fluent and authoritative playing/singing; musically convincing and aesthetically satisfying performance BMU 483 Keyboard Skills VIII The course further develops listening, accompanying and sight reading skills in major and minor tonalities (up to 4 sharps and 4 flats); harmonization and transposition of melodies and singing and accompanying one s self on the keyboard, late intermediate level repertoire building and playing of hymns. ELECTIVE COURSES (ONE ONLY) BMU 484A Choral Directing The course is designed to help students familiarize with general rehearsal techniques. In addition, it prepares them for such leadership roles as director of choirs or director of bands. The course will include conducting and analysis of both choral and instrumental scores and the preparation of students for public performances. Care of musical instruments and voice therapy will also be discussed. BMU 484B Military Band Directing The course focuses on the organisational, rehearsal and performance techniques; the use of the baton and the other hand; Military Band and brass Band Open Scores; Military Parades and other ceremonies; Building up a repertoire; Care and maintenance of musical instruments. BMU 484C Dance Band Directing The aim of this course is to enhance students skills in interpreting musical scores and to demonstrate proficiency in organising and conducting choral management. BMU 484D African Dance Directing African Dance Directing aims at preparing students to demonstrate organisational ability in the performance of traditional musical genres. Again, it is designed to help students to be able to perform transcribed indigenous musics and to create choreographed dances. BMU 484E Brass Band Directing The course is designed to further enhance students skills in interpreting musical scores and to demonstrate proficiency in organising and conducting brass band music. The course is also designed to enhance musical reading skills of the student BMU 484F Dance Drama Directing This is a continuation of Dance Drama I. Students will further explore the principles of dance-drama compositions as related to the theatrical stage, with development of improvisational skills and the examination of the concepts of space, time, phrase, direction and structure using the body as a creative art form in communicating a wordview through artistic expression. Further exploration in the making of dance-drama and staging, creative movement development fusion of movement and music, improvisation and its significance. Creation of
dance-drama to suit different occasions. Requirements for graduation - Subject Requirements Credits Requirements Other equivalent requirements Requirements for Graduation Both B.A. in Music Education and B. A. in Music students must have accumulated a minimum of 120 credits successfully on the programme. Any additional requirements for graduation e.g. attendance requirements Regulations governing assessment of students. Students must participate in assignments and quizzes throughout the four-semester programme as well as End-of-Semester examinations at the end of each Semester. Continuous assessment score of 40% and 60% examination scores are computed to determine students final grades for each semester.