This module is intended to introduce and promote students awareness and appreciation of the discipline of ethnomusicology from its inception.   It will examine the historical path of is development and methods of inquiry as a field; explore its relationship with other fields like anthropology, musicological while stimulating cultural consciousness and self-identify. Students will learn some theories, the relation to music education.  Further skills knowledge and concepts of documentation and preservation of world musical traditions will be acquired through field work. Current ethnomusicological dismodule issues, research and world music practices will be evaluated.

Practical study in Voice or Instrument of minor specialization

This module is aims to promote students’ awareness and appreciation of advanced performance techniques on selected instruments of Specialisation of either African or Western. The student at the end must be a versatile and competent musician, artist and educator. Performance techniques and theories from a multicultural perspective will be studied alongside pedagogical principles in higher education.

History of Music

Theory and analysis of Music

Students are exposed to/reminded of to the basics of theory of music such as basic note value, the grand stave, triads and time signature, to enable them to transcribe simple music.  The students’ basic knowledge of the theory of music is enhanced to intermediate level for them to be able to tackle more difficult choral and other instrument pieces.

Music Composition and Technology

Choral Practice

The choral practice module prepares students for studies and performance of works from a broad spectrum of choral literature. Instruction emphasizes healthy choral/vocal techniques improved note and score reading and expanded knowledge of musical notation, terminology, and styles. Students will learn the fundamentals of vocal technique, gain basic music literacy, and become confident performers on stage through conducting and singing quality choral repertoire at a high level not only in the choir classroom but also other community events. Particular attention will be paid to ensemble   participation in the contexts of rehearsal and performance

Foundations of Music and  Teaching-Learning Methods in Music Education

This module is intended for qualified teachers to further develop their musical arts education as a critical component of and medium of comprehensive education. The students are exposed to the foundations of music education in relation to the teaching and learning methods. The module provides a platform for an analysis, and synthesis of some selected theories of the discipline. An appreciation of the role and value of working strategies in musical learning will be developed through theory and practice. Students will engage in activities that will position music education as part of a comprehensive education.

Measurement, evaluation and assessment in Music

This module is aimed at developing students’ knowledge and appreciation of music technology software and hardware.   Focus is on acoustics, digital audio, MIDI sequencing and notation software.  Activities will place an emphasis on the operation and components of the typical MIDI and digital audio lab. Music Technology will expose students to the uses, concepts, techniques, and terminology of computing. Students will also be learning basic business practices used in the music industry in relation to recording and distribution of music products.

Issues in Ethnomusicology

This module is intended to further explore the discipline of ethnomusicology from its inception.  Students will examine the theory and methodology of the field; examine the relationship with other fields like anthropology, music history, musicological and non-musical forces that contributed to the evolution of the study. Issues that relate to the current ethnomusicological dismodule, research and world music practices will be evaluated through field recordings, literature, listening and performance practice of select genres.

Practical study in voice or instrument of major specialization

This module is intended for the development of artistic competence in a chosen instrument. Students should be able to demonstrate practical knowledge and musicianship in the instrument or voice.

Aesthetics of Music Cultures

Fundamentals of music is a module that undertakes a critical study of world music cultures focusing on the elements, performance techniques, sonic preferences, instrument production and overall modes of transmission. The anthropological, ethnomusicological and musicological perspectives are applied to develop a wider sense of appreciation of music for the individual, community and global   wellbeing of mankind. Attention is given to the utilitarian functions, purpose, knowledge and skills of musical practices as human social behaviour with potential for contributing to socioeconomic growth and world peace. The academic study of music as a culture specific and trans-cultural element through listening, performance and other active technology and enhanced methods will be undertaken. The module is intended to develop a wider appreciation of different musical traditions, styles and performance practices throughout historical time.

History of South African and Zimbabwean Jazz

The module helps students study how S. African and Zimbabwean jazz started and developed. For South African jazz covers the beginnings from the Cape where people from different parts of the world came together coming in with different instruments as well as their music. The movement to Johannesburg and continuous coming together of people from the rural areas of South Africa and other parts of the world increasingly brought in different types of music. Students are expected to analyse the different types of music and instruments and how they formed the South African jazz. Students listen to some of the music from outstanding jazz performers. The effects of the Negroe spirituals as in the S. African jazz are noted in this module. Students should find out the similarities between the history of the South African and Zimbabwean jazz. Outstanding contributors to Zimbabwean jazz will be highlighted. Students will have an experience in listening to and analysing the music.

Music and Sustainable development

Students are encouraged through this module, to come up with environmental innovations, such as fight against climate change for the formation of a more sustainable future. They can consider aspects such as health issues, corruption, pollution and food options. The students are therefore expected to organize such festivals on small scale, in order to ensure sustainable development in Zimbabwe. Music is therefore used as a vehicle for change.

Music cultures of Sub-Saharan Africa

This module takes a survey of Sub-Saharan traditional music styles in the context of continuity and change as an extension of Zimbabwean music cultures. Topics will cover dances traditions, instruments, children’s music, acoustical processes, and functions and organisation. Students will be equipped with principles of practice, meaning and functions of the music performances and text. The module aims to stimulate and develop students’ cultural consciousness and pride in traditional musical practices as identity symbols and artistic expression reflecting different ethnic sensibilities, performance techniques and methodology.

Ensemble Performance

Ensemble performance encompasses virtually all styles of music, encompassing classic repertory from the jazz canon as well as music from the best contemporary composers and African instruments. The ensemble’s mission is to provide students with the performance skills and pedagogical knowledge needed for successful careers as creative artist-teachers. The module seeks to achieve musical excellence in a professional environment with high expectations. Each player’s attitude and preparation are essential to the success of the group. Therefore, individuals are expected to take ownership for their parts and share in the responsibility for their performance. In order to strengthen the ensemble’s performance level and to provide more opportunities for individual players, part assignments may rotate.

Zimbabwean Traditional Music and Dance Styles

This module takes a survey of Zimbabwean traditional music styles in the context of continuity and change. Topics will cover dance traditions, instruments, children’s music, acoustical processes and organisation. Students will be equipped with principles of practice, meaning and functions of the music and dance. The module aims to stimulate and develop students’ cultural consciousness and pride in traditional musical practices. It will foster recognition of identity symbols and artistic expression reflecting ethnic sensibilities, performance techniques and methodology. Music as culture and in cultural contexts is an element that deserves academic inquiry.  Accordingly the programme is intended to promote research into and archiving culture specific musical traditions as relevant study materials.

The module is designed for students to apply the knowledge and skills they acquired from Research methods. They should find tropical issues to research on and try to solve music education problems. This way they get innovative and solve educational and financial problems