Diploma (Practical Music)

Entrance requirements

  • Matric Certificate
  • Theory –Grade 3/4
  • Practical – Grade 7 on the main instrument (or voice)

Course length:

  • Three-year programme.

What does the Diploma in Practical Music entail?

  • Students must enrol for all 3 years in Music Skills (theory of music and aural training) , Practical Music Study in any of the instruments listed below and General Music Studies.  Teaching method, Information Skills, Music education, Music technology, Repertoire Study, and a choice of courses in Practical Score reading, accompaniment, orchestral practise, orchestral study, language for singers, church music practise, ensemble singing, chamber music, business management (music), theatre skills (music) are also on offer.
  • Students may articulate to the Diploma in Music from the Higher Certificate in Music if they comply with the entrance requirements for the Diploma and have undergone the prescribed selection process.  Students will receive credit for General Music Study, Music Theory, Music Technology, Aural Training.
  • The Diploma (Practical Music) can, in exceptional cases, articulate to the 2nd year of the BMus (a minimum final mark of 70% in each of the following: General Music Study, Music Theory) provided that the student complies with the entrance requirements for the BMus and follows the prescribed selection process.

Which instruments can I study?

Any orchestral instruments: strings, woodwind, brass and percussion; piano, organ, harp, recorder, guitar, voice, conducting and church music.

Enquiries:

Programme co-ordinator: Leonore Bredekamp Tel. 021 808 2176 E-mail: lbrede@sun.ac.za

To start the application process at Stellenbosch University, kindly follow the following link:  http://www.maties.com/apply.html or contact 021 808 4515. An application fee is payable upon registration.

Audition dates: Saturday, 17 June 2023 and Saturday 12 August 2023

How do I schedule an audition?

After you have applied online and submitted the required documents, your application is processed by the admissions office and forwarded to the Departments of Music.  Ms Yolanda Botha will contact you via e-mail with an information form regarding your practical audition. At the end of the information form is a section for you to fill in to schedule the audition. Audition dates are scheduled for Saturday, 17 June and Saturday 12 August. Audition days start at 08:00 and finish at 17:00. The final audition roster will be provided by Ms. Botha a week before the audition day.

Where do auditions take place?

Practical Auditions will take place at the Conservatoire, Department of Music, University of Stellenbosch, which is situated in Neethling street, Stellenbosch.

Our 2023 auditions will take place in person. Under special circumstances (for instance: living outside South African borders, or another prohibitive constraint) applicants may submit a written request to submit a recorded audition. Please send this request, in writing, to the co-ordinator, Ms. Botha, for approval.

Important application tips:

  • Apply as early as possible
  • Please remember to complete the table provided at the end of the audition information letter in order to list your audition under the correct instrument. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and can therefore not be considered for auditions.
  • If you make enquiries regarding your status, remember to always include your Application ID.

Audition Requirements:

Practical Audition:

Students must prepare 3 Classical pieces from contrasting style periods at a minimum level comparable to Grade VII or higher of any of the recognized examination boards. The String, Brass and Piano divisions also require technical work. Furthermore, sight-reading and a quick study is required for piano auditions.

Theory Test:

The theoretical entrance test is comparable to Unisa Grade V and consists of figured base realisation in 4-part harmony, chord- and cadence identification, dictation and other pertinent aspects that relates to music literacy.

The theoretical test takes place on the same day as your practical audition.

Please direct any questions you might have to Yolanda Botha at yolandab@sun.ac.za