Program Overview

Diploma in Wind Band Studies

The Diploma in Wind Band Studies is designed to equip practicing musicians involved in bands, as well as other musicians interested in this musical genre, with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competences relevant to their practice and/or interest. This diploma course has a strong emphasis on practical activities, enabling students to develop a wide range of creative, technical, and professional skills required for effective participation in wind bands and music-making more broadly.

Course Overview

The course is governed by the General Regulations for University Undergraduate Awards, 2019, and by the Bye-Laws for the award in the Diploma in Wind Band Studies under the auspices of the School of Performing Arts. The diploma is awarded upon completion of 60 credits.

Duration and Credits

• The course lasts 4 semesters.
• It consists of 60 ECTS credits.

Mode of Study

• The mode of study is part-time evening.

MQF Level

• The course is at MQF Level 5.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Interrelate the diverse studies covered in this diploma course.
• Apply knowledge relevant to this musical genre to their own practice.
• Critically discuss issues related to wind band music and its performance.
• Identify modern trends in the transmission of musical knowledge and skills.
• Evaluate how knowledge may effectively be used for the benefit of others through group work, modern technology, and innovative projects.

Intellectual Development

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to:

1. Use relevant techniques and methods to explain and demonstrate the interrelationship between theory and practice.
2. Recognise, attain, and apply effective skills in the transmission of musical knowledge and skills in diverse contexts.
3. Demonstrate elements of personal expression, imagination, and creativity in practice-based projects or activities and the ability to communicate effectively, employing appropriate technical and interpretative means.
4. Identify, by aural acuity, the essential elements of a musical composition.
5. Use computers, digital equipment, and software in a range of band-related projects and activities.
6. Work effectively in a team.

Key/Transferable Skills

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to:

1. Work collaboratively with others, utilising a variety of team structures and working methods, and understanding group dynamics and handling interpersonal issues.
2. Develop a broad range of musical skills, but also intellectual and practical skills of reasoning and independent thought, of reflection and self-criticism.
3. Develop essential transferable skills in computing and information technology, in musical and written communication, and in enquiry and research.
4. Communicate effectively and professionally coherent arguments and propositions in a variety of media, verbally and in writing, using appropriate communication and presentation technologies.
5. Develop organisational skills.

Other Skills Relevant to Employability and Personal Development

Upon completion of the programme, students will be able to:

1. Trace, assess, and synthesise information and data from a range of sources, both primary and secondary, printed, electronic, and other.
2. Communicate effectively across a wide range of sociocultural domains and expectations, spanning from local, town-level activities, to national popular culture events (e.g., religious and secular celebrations), to 'High culture' events.
3. Take effective decisions about the various aspects of art and culture.
4. Establish the right and appropriate procedures following consultation with all stakeholders.
5. Motivate others to attain and put into practice further musical knowledge and skills.

Admission Criteria

• General Entry Requirements: Refer to the list of country-specific qualifications.
• Special Course Requirements: Applicants shall be required to undertake an interview and an audition, provided that applicants with a pass at Grade C or better at Advanced Matriculation Level in Music shall be exempted from both interview and audition.
• Notes and any other requirements: Applicants admitted under paragraph (c) of regulation 6 of the Admissions Regulations must be in possession of those qualifications and/or experience that would satisfy the School Admissions Committee that they have reached the academic standard required to follow the Course with profit.
• The maximum number of students that can be admitted into the course is 20 students.

Tuition Fees

• Fee per academic year for non-EU applicants: Eur 4,250.

Career Opportunities

Upon successfully completing the Diploma in Wind Band Studies, students can facilitate access to different roles in wind bands such as music teaching and conducting. It should also serve as a recognised tertiary qualification in music when applying for jobs in cultural management and administration, in the media and entertainment, or in libraries and archives, to mention a few. In addition, this diploma is a great pathway to the Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme and further tertiary studies in music.

Course Structure

Year 1

• Compulsory Units:
  • MSP1280: Pedagogical Placement 1 (6 ECTS)
  • MSP1186: Basic Music Technology (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1282: The Wind Band Tradition in Malta (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1381: Solfège (6 ECTS)
  • MSP1389: Theoretical and Practical Issues in Wind Band Playing and Conducting (6 ECTS)
• Elective Units: Students are required to choose study-units to the value of 4 ECTS credits from the elective study-units on offer during the year.
  • MSP1040*: Applied: Brass (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1045: Applied: Percussion (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1274: Applied: Flute (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1275**: Applied: Woodwind (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1276**: Applied: Instrumental Practice (4 ECTS)

Year 2

• Compulsory Units:
  • MSP1285: Pedagogical Placement 2 (6 ECTS)
  • MSP1386: Long Essay (6 ECTS)
  • MSP1384: Band Conducting 1 (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1387: Leadership in Collaborative Music-Making (2 ECTS)
  • MSP1388: Arranging and Composing for Band 1 (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1390: Arranging and Composing for Band 2 (4 ECTS)
  • MSP1391: Band Conducting 2 (4 ECTS)

Total Credits

• The total number of credits for the diploma is 60 credits.