Bachelor of Fine Arts in Contemporary Traditions in Music

The programme prepares students for their future professional role as a musician in contemporary traditions. Contemporary traditions can be understood as music rooted in folk music and modal music traditions around the world, while also exploring new musical expressions relevant for people of today. The programme provides knowledge and skills in artistic processes as well as various contemporary musical expressions. Furthermore, it provides tools so that allow students to take part in cultural life and the surrounding community. The programme prepares students for further studies at advanced level.

Instruction is in English.

This programme leads to a Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music with Specialisation in Contemporary Traditions (Konstnärlig kandidatexamen i musik med inriktning samtida traditionsmusik).

The programme, which is taught on an artistic basics, provides knowledge and skills in artistic processes as well as various contemporary musical expressions in preparation for a future professional role as a musician. The education is aimed for those who have a background in one or more folk music traditions or other modal traditions. The programme stimulates artistic development and encourages creativity and innovation so students can work in a multifaceted world as an independent and inquisitive artist. Students are given opportunities to meet practitioners with a wide rage of experiences, and are trained to deal with situations that require listening and understanding. Regular feedback from teachers stimulates development and learning.

Furthermore, the programme provides tools for interacting with cultural life and the surrounding society, learning about the conditions involved in freelancing and establishing connections with various networks. Since parts of the education involve work placement projects in the region and nationally, students are prepared for a future profession as a freelance musician. Students also develop skills in musical communication and interaction.

During the first semester, the Introduction to Higher Studies in Music course is offered and includes examinations of value issues and norm-critical perspectives, tools for self-reflection and feedback, and digital tools.

The Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 1–6 courses include a number of modules to enhance and broaden the student’s musicianship. Main instrument and ensemble are core subjects where students can develop both craftsmanship and artistic skills. Modules such as ergonomics, joint teaching sessions and forums provide tools that enable students to reflect and relate to their development and learning. During the third year, Main Subject, Contemporary Traditions in Music 5 and 6 supports the students’ preparation for their degree concerts and reflections on their artistic process.

The Artistic Theory and Practice 1–6 courses provide theoretical perspectives on music theory, music technique, the history of music, music and society and the freelancers’ world. In the practical parts of the course, students implement a number of ensemble projects and work placement projects that offer new perspectives on the role of the freelance artist. These courses also include practical modules such as ear training and scenic communication.

In the Independent Project (Degree Project) Bachelor, students investigate an issue of their choice through musical expression. The course, which runs across two semesters, leads to a report in a relevant format in which the artistic process and investigation are highlighted, analysed and discussed.

The programme also gives students the opportunity to shape their personal specialisations through their choice of elective courses from among the department’s course offering. Collaboration and joint studies with other programmes are included in several department courses and projects, including studies within ethics and social issues.

The programme comprises three years of full-time study (daytime), each worth 60 higher education credits. Studies on evenings and weekends may occur to a lesser extent.

The programme’s studies are divided into the following courses:

Semester 1

TRA111 Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 1 15 Credits

TRA201 Artistic Theory and Practice 1 7,5 Credits

TRA301 Introduction to Higher Studies in Music 7,5 Credits

Semester 2

TRA112 Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 2 15 Credits

TRA202 Artistic Theory 2 7,5 Credits

TRA302 Artistic Practice 2 7,5 Credits

Semester 3

TRA113 Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 3 15 Credits

TRA203 Artistic Theory 3 7,5 Credits

TRA303 Artistic Practice 3 7,5 Credits

Semester 4

TRA114 Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 4 15 Credits

TRA204 Artistic Theory and Practice 4 7,5 HEC Elective course 7,5 Credits

Semester 5

TRA115 Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 5 7,5 Credits

TRA205 Artistic Theory and Practice 5 7,5 Credits

KYR125 Independent Project (Degree Project) Bachelor 7,5 (of 15 Credits)

Elective course 7,5 Credits

Semester 6

TRA116 Main Subject Contemporary Traditions in Music 6 7,5 Credits

TRA206 Artistic Theory and Practice 6 7,5 Credits

KYR125 Independent Project (Degree Project) Bachelor 7,5 (of 15 Credits)

Elective course 7,5 Credits

General outcomes for Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts

According to Higher Education Ordinance (see SFS 1993:100, System of Qualifications, Annex 2):

Knowledge and understanding

For a Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the principal field (main field of study), including knowledge of the practical and theoretical foundation of the field, knowledge and experience of methods and processes in the field as well as specialised study within the field.

Competence and skills

For a Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to describe, analyse and interpret design, techniques and content as well as to reflect critically on his or her artistic approach and that of others in the main field of study
• demonstrate the ability in the main field of study to create, realise and express his or her own ideas, identify, formulate and solve artistic and creative problems autonomously and to undertake artistic tasks within predetermined time frames
• demonstrate the ability to present and discuss his or her works and artistic issues in speech, writing or in other ways and in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the competence and knowledge required to work autonomously in a professional capacity.

Judgement and approach 

For a Degree of Bachelor in Fine Arts the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant artistic, social and ethical issues
• demonstrate insight into the role of art in society, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the need for further knowledge and ongoing learning.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg).

Students that, at normal pace follow the programme have a guaranteed seat in the programme. There are two types of guarantee: general and restricted.

Restricted guarantee gives the student a seat in a course, but not necessarily the student’s first priority. The Academy of Music and Drama applies restricted guarantee on the elective courses. However, the student is always guaranteed a seat on any elective course