Subject Coordinator
Ms Olivianne Farrugia
creativearts.jc@um.edu.mt
Room Db13
Music subject information
Advanced level
Lectures: 5 hours per week
Tutorials: 1 hour per week
Practical sessions: 1 hour per week
Intermediate level
Lectures: 2 hours per week
Practical sessions: 1 hour per week
What is Music?
Though music is the universal language of mankind, it is the most magical and mysterious of all the arts, making it the most difficult to describe. For the Ancient Greek, the word ‘music’ meant ‘the art of muse’ ‒ a collection of physical sounds organised in such a way as to create a specific effect through gesture and motion. It is indeed the art and science of sound in accordance to execution and composition respectively; a way by which the sentiments of the human heart are expressed.
Studying Music at Advanced Level
The course of study, based on four main aspects, enables the student to acquire a solid foundation in the art of music:
- historical ‒ showing its development from the early beginnings to modern times
- theoretical ‒ covering tonal harmony (including thorough bass) and free 2-part counterpoint in Baroque style
- aural skills ‒ identifying basic music elements by the ear
- practical ‒ involving vocal or instrumental playing.
It is very wise of those in possession of music qualifications to make use of such an excellent opportunity.
Studying Music at Intermediate Level
The study course is less binding than the advanced one: the
MATSEC exam at this level will only consist of one paper divided in three parts. For this the student will undergo the following course: musicianship ‒ involving simple aural training; writing music in the traditional way for four voices and in contrapuntal style; getting to know about different musical styles and movements, famous composers and some of their works in detail; either performing on your favourite instrument or creating your own short composition. Students with or without a musical background are encouraged to take this course.
Listen to the episode dedicated to Theatre and Music from the Junior College radio programme mill-Kulleġġ:
(the episode is in the Maltese language)