Your key to the music industry
THE three-year Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Professional Music (BMUS) focuses on four core specialisations – music performance, music arranging, music production and music business.
The programme is Malaysia’s only validated 3+0 degree, where the curriculum is developed and taught entirely at the International College of Music (ICOM). The degree is conferred by the University of Wolverhampton (UK). As an internationally recognised UK degree, it rivals the mushrooming local music degrees.
The BMUS was developed after close consultation with music industry representatives, chosen from a wide variety of specialists heading and working in album recording, broadcast, audio/video postproduction, film scoring and live concert events.
“Everyone we met said they were looking for multitaskers able to compose, perform and produce music works independently and as a team, as well as able to service clients, which requires a high level of communication skills,” said ICOM music programmes head Samuel Tan.
Performance skills
The ICOM BMUS does just that. Students learn music performance skills in private voice/instrumental lessons and ensembles that perform in jazz, R&B, fusion, rock and pop.
The Professional Gig module trains students in general business repertoire and actual job functions of playing gigs such as corporate shows and weddings.
In arranging, students learn score layout and scoring methods for small and medium ensembles and full orchestra. Students are also taught to write jingles and scoring techniques for any form of visual content, including video games.
Students also learn sound design, music recording methods and how to rig a stage for live concerts.
Modules such as entertainment law, management principles and artist and event management prepare them for management roles and in handling music business contracts upon graduation.
ICOM prides itself for its industry networking because it has, for over 21 years, supplied music talents to the professional music industry in Malaysia and globally.
“Almost all students secure jobs in the music industry even before they graduate. The 150-hour internship in their final year gives them the opportunity to get real-world experience in music making and the music companies signed on with ICOM as approved internship sites tend to hire students immediately thereafter. Today, the brand ICOM opens doors to the professional music industry,” said Tan.
In January, ICOM introduced a guaranteed job placement for its music graduates in the top 20 music companies in Malaysia to assure parents of a rewarding career in music.
BMUS students come from across Malaysia, South Korea, Yemen, Russia, Australia, Indonesia and India. Amid the diversity of multiculturalism, languages and musical background, the unifying factor readily seen on the ICOM stage, classrooms, practice rooms and studios is their talent and passion for music.
The entry requirement to the BMUS is a one-year Foundation in Music (FIM).
Students interested to enrol into the BMUS may apply online by Dec 8.
An Early Admissions Tuition Subsidy of RM10,500 is offered to those who apply to the FIM programme between now and Oct 27 for enrolment in the January 2018 semester.
■ For details, contact ICOM admissions counselors at 03-4023 6000 or admissions@icom. edu.my, visit www.icom.edu.my or walk-in to ICOM at Lot 126, Section 85A, Lorong Setapak, Kuala Lumpur, on weekdays between 9am and 6pm.