Master of Music in Performance Studies
THE School of Music at UCSI University is among the most well established providers of tertiary level music education in Malaysia. For many years the School has offered a Bachelor of Music honours degree in both Classical and Contemporary music. The School also offers a pre-university Foundation programme in music.
Over the years, many graduates of the School have gone on to pursue postgraduate studies overseas. From January 2013 however, the School will offer its very own Master of Music in Performance Studies programme (MMus) thus providing another opportunity for music students to continue their postgraduate music studies right here in Malaysia.
The MMus programme is intended for performers who wish to combine advanced practical studies in voice or piano with academic studies in interpretation and performance practice. The programme embraces both classical and contemporary music as well as solo and collaborative performance. The course also develops masters’ level skills of critical enquiry and research.
The MMus in Performance Studies is a one-and-a-half year full time programme spanning four semesters.
The course has three compulsory components and a selection of elective subjects such as performance pedagogy, jazz composition and arranging, as well as music and law.
Besides instrumental performance, this programme aims to enhance the musical skills, knowledge and understanding to a stage appropriate for undergraduate music teaching at college and uni- versity levels. For this reason, young professionals who have just graduated with their bachelor’s degree will find this course a useful platform to further propel their careers.
“Arising from our years of experience in producing high-quality graduates who have advanced to greater heights, be it in the music industry or as they embark on their postgraduate studies, our School of Music has matured, and is ready and excited to be offering music training at an elevated level. This will further contribute to the training of qualified musicians for the music field in our country,” said Professor Dr P’ng Tean Hwa, UCSI University School of Music head.
Prof P’ng has appeared in many public concert performances in various capacities, giving solo recitals in the United States, Indonesia, Thailand as well as in Hungary.
He is often in demand as a workshop clinician, master-class presenter, and competition adjudicator. Prof P’ng will also be leading and overseeing the MMus programme at the university.