Study Guide

Description

Music Theater Specialization in the Musician Degree Program (AMK) leads to a professional higher education qualification in the cultural field, with the degree title of Musician (Bachelor of Arts). The program consists of 240 ECTS credits and has a duration of 4 years.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

In this program, you’ll gain the skills to work as a musical theater professional, including strong abilities in singing, dancing, and acting (triple competence) within the diverse field of music theater. Emphasis on singing, acting, and dancing, as well as versatile integration of these skill areas (Triple Threat Performer).

CURRICULUM AND COMPETENCE

At the core of the expertise produced by this specialization lies the versatile mastery of music theater genres, taking into account the professional competence requirements in the field, specifically in singing, acting, and dancing (Triple Threat Performer). Additionally, the expertise includes supportive subjects such as ensemble studies, speech and voice training, repertoire knowledge, music theory, as well as the history of musicals, theater, and dance, along with TAMK’s common subjects. The physical and mental well-being of musicians are integral goals of the degree program.

Internships and parts of the education are carried out in collaboration with professional theaters and other theater industry stakeholders. Participation in various productions is an essential part of the students’ learning experience. Students’ involvement, in cooperation with industry partners, allows for authentic learning within a professional theater environment. TAMK Music collaborates extensively with Finland’s professional theater scene in terms of productions and internships.

The structure of the program is as follows:

Basic Studies and Professional Studies: 174 ECTS credits
Internship: 30 ECTS credits
Optional Professional Studies: 6 ECTS credits
Elective Studies: 15 ECTS credits
Thesis: 15 ECTS credits
Total: 240 ECTS credits

Flexibility in Studies

In the Musician Degree Program, there are alternative professional studies and elective courses that allow students to incorporate specialized music-related studies or courses from other TAMK programs or other universities. This flexibility enables students to expand and tailor their expertise according to their interests and career goals.

Students also have the opportunity to include studies or internships completed during international student exchanges in their degree. International student exchanges can take place during the second or third year of study. Incoming exchange students have flexible options to participate in instrument and ensemble music studies, as well as other musical courses.

IMPLEMENTATION OF TEACHING

The Musician Degree Program emphasizes practical learning based on theoretical knowledge and skill development. Music learning methods follow international practices in higher education. Some courses are conducted through individual instruction. A significant portion of studies occurs in group settings, including small group teaching, large group teaching, or participation in musical ensembles or theater ensembles. Many of the practical music, theater, and dance courses primarily require face-to-face teaching. For certain theoretical courses, remote teaching and, to some extent, self-study online are possible. Low-latency video connections enable the implementation of music performance-related studies remotely, especially in special situations as remote teaching (for example, international master classes or intercollegiate teaching exchanges).

Learning the skills needed in working as a music professional requires long-term teaching with sufficient time for practise. These studies (instrumental proficiency, ensemble playing, choral conducting, orchestral conducting, composition, and pedagogical competence) form threads that span several years. Some courses also conducted in periodic sessions. Theoretical knowledge is closely tied to practical learning through reflection during the course of studies.

An essential aspect of education is independent practice in playing instruments and singing within the college premises.

Participation in productions, projects, and internships conducted in collaboration with professional partners is a central part of the learning process. A 30-credit internship is carried out through projects throughout the studies.

ANNUAL THEMES

The development of a student’s expertise can be described through the following annual themes:

First Year: Basic competence and orientation to professional studies.
Second Year: Building the foundation of professional expertise.
Third Year: Profiling and deepening expertise.
Fourth Year: Strengthening professional identity (professional identity) and understanding investigative and developmental approaches to work.
The common competencies of higher education degrees are integrated into the Musician Degree Program’s courses and are emphasized in the program’s annual themes as follows:

Learning to Learn: Emphasized throughout the 1st to 4th years.
Ethics: Emphasized throughout the 1st to 4th years.
Sustainable Development: Emphasized throughout the 1st to 4th years.
Internationalization and Multiculturalism: Emphasized during the 1st to 3rd years.
Working in Professional Life: Emphasized during the 3rd to 4th years.
Proactive Development: Emphasized during the 3rd to 4th years.

Curriculum development and working life cooperation

The curriculum adheres to the European and national framework for higher education qualifications (NQF and EQF, level 6).

Tampere University of Applied Sciences’ music education program has extensive networking with cultural industry professionals and educators, and collaborates closely with other higher education institutions. Work-life collaboration is realized through joint music-making, production activities, projects, practical internships in professional settings, artistic and pedagogical activities of teachers, publications, and the pedagogical network of music education.

The curriculum has been developed with input from advisory councils, representatives from the professional field, and students.

Further information

The curriculum has been approved by the University Council of Tampere University of Applied Sciences on xx.xx.2024.