The Musical Arts (MUS) Programme focuses on training musicians, providing opportunities for them to develop a variety of professional skills and understandings across a range of practical and theoretical aspects of music. The programme cultivates future professionals and leaders in the cultural and creative industries in China and the world. These leaders will also develop a social consciousness, and personal skills in a global environment that meet the market demands. It offers the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Musical Arts.
In general, there are five main teaching methods:
(1) formal lectures and in-class observation and discussions to absorb theories and concepts;
(2) rehearsals to have performance accuracy and interpretive skills developed;
(3) demonstration of video and live performance examples to have the specific characteristics analysed;
(4) the utilization of digital equipment and techniques to produce multimedia music production;
(5) practical tutorials to guide students through close interaction towards mastery of the chosen instrument. English is the medium of instruction for lectures and tutorials. The BNBU English Learning Centre (ELC) will help students strengthen their English proficiency.
The Musical Arts Programme is designed to enable students to pursue their career ambitions in music and realize their creative potential. It is founded on the principle that in today’s job market, it is vital for music graduates to possess a wide range of skills, critical thinking and contemporary knowledge to succeed as professional musicians.
The core programme includes all the essential courses found in music schools from around the world: instruction in the Principal Study of Performance by courses in music theory and ear training, music history and ensemble classes, elective courses in various areas such as film music, music and multimedia, music technology, jazz and traditional Chinese music. This flexibility enables graduates to be knowledgeable in more than one area of music and allows them to gain invaluable experience of working within interdisciplinary projects. The programme culminates in a Final Year Project, showcasing the students’ creative, presentational and managerial skills and providing them with an international outlook to pursue careers in the Cultural and Creative Industries and beyond.
The objectives of the Musical Arts Programme are as follows:
(1) To produce creative and flexible graduates prepared for the demands of today’s music industry
(2) To work closely with other programmes in SCC (for example CTV and MAD) to initiate interdisciplinary projects
(3) To promote intercultural understanding through study of both Western and Chinese musical traditions
(4) To attract international students and international collaboration.
(5) To encourage critical thinking and innovation
(6) To create graduates familiar with the music of more than one region
(7) To enrich the cultural life of the college through concerts, workshops and festivals
(8) To foster closer relations between BNBU and the local community through community-related projects, charity events and other outreach activities
(9) To promote ethical values in all aspects of academic and professional life
(10) To represent the highest standards of education at BNBU by being a Centre of musical excellence in the region
Full-time faculty members of Musical Arts Programme are recruited from all over the world. They must possess a Master of Music or Ph.D. degree, or have copious practical musical performance experience with an M.A. degree, or outstanding research achievements in the related areas. Part-time faculty members are also recruited with strong academic and teaching experiences or industrial background.
