Programme description for Master's Programme in Popular Music (2024–2026)

Upon completion of the program, the candidate should:

KNOWLEDGE

• Have advanced knowledge within the field of music and specialized insight in their chosen specialization.
• Be able to articulate the epistemological and methodological issues related to research in popular music studies.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of the music industry and entrepreneurship.
• Be able to analyze academic issues based on the history, traditions, uniqueness, and societal context of the chosen specialization.
• Be capable of applying knowledge innovatively within their own specialization.

SKILLS

• Have advanced skills related to their primary instrument/area of expertise, performance practice, and communication.
• Be able to independently utilize relevant scientific methods for academic and artistic research.
• Be capable of analyzing and implementing strategies related to digitalization, innovation, and audience development.
• Be able to critically analyze and engage with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate arguments within their own specialization.
• Be able to work independently on practical and theoretical problem-solving.
• Be able to conduct independent and delimited projects within academic and artistic research – under supervision and in accordance with applicable research ethical norms.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• Be able to analyze relevant ethical issues within the field, profession, and research.
• Be able to apply knowledge and skills to new areas to carry out advanced tasks and projects within the field of music.
• Be able to articulate, present, and discuss relevant artistic issues with academic communities and the public.
• Be able to contribute to innovation processes within the arts, culture, and music sectors.
• Be capable of effectively communicating independent work and mastering the specialized vocabulary and forms of expression within the field.
• Be able to explain and discuss developments and issues related to the national and international music market.
• Be able to initiate, develop, implement, and lead artistic projects.

The general admission requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years' duration (180 credits) for all specializations in the master's program. Applicants who lack up to 15 credits outside the specialization unit may be conditionally admitted. Admission is subject to the regulations for admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder.

Performing Specializations: (Performing Music, World Music, and Songwriting).

The admission basis shall include a passed specialization unit of at least 80 credits in performing music or equivalent.

Applicants submit an application with a proposed project description for the master's thesis according to guidelines set by the Faculty of Fine Arts. The master's thesis proposal must be approved by the university 5 weeks before the audition is held.

Applicants are ranked based on the audition, which consists of the following components:

1. Audition: During the audition, a score from 10 to 20 is given for a passed test. Applicants who receive less than 10 points have not passed. The audition counts for 50% of the total score. The audition considers the applicant's artistic, technical, and academic levels in terms of performance and presentation.

1. Interview: During the interview, a score from 10 to 20 is given. The interview counts for 50% of the total score. The audition must be passed to gain admission to the interview. The interview considers the applicant's ability to describe, reflect on, and communicate the background and motivation for the chosen artistic project, specialization and thesis proposal.

Electronic Music

The admission basis shall include one of the following criteria:

• Specialization unit of at least 80 credits in performing or electronic music, a bachelor's degree in music technology, or equivalent.
• Other relevant bachelor's programs may be approved as a basis for admission upon special consideration.

Applicants submit an application with a proposed project description for the master's thesis according to guidelines set by the Faculty of Fine Arts. The master's thesis proposal must be approved by the university 5 weeks before the audition test is held.

Applicants are ranked based on the audition, which consists of the following components:

1. Audition: During the audition, a score from 10 to 20 is given for a passed test. Applicants who receive less than 10 points have not passed. The audition counts for 50% of the total score. The audition considers the applicant's artistic, technical, and academic levels in terms of performance and presentation.

1. Interview: During the interview, a score from 10 to 20 is given. The interview counts for 50% of the total score. The audition must be passed to gain admission to the interview. The interview considers the applicant's ability to describe, reflect on, and communicate the background and motivation for the chosen artistic project, specialization and thesis proposal.

Theoretical Specialization:

(Music Business and Management)

The admission basis shall include one of the following criteria:

• Specialization unit of at least 80 credits in performing music, music education, or musicology.

• Relevant specialization unit of at least 80 credits within cultural/music/cultural studies.

• Bachelor's degree in economics or equivalent.

• Other relevant bachelor's programs may be approved as a basis for admission upon special consideration.

A weighted average grade of C or better is required, calculated based on the entire bachelor's degree.

The master's program in Popular music aims to provide students with broad musical competence, making them well-equipped to meet a fragmented music industry in constant flux. The term “rhythmic music”, a Scandinavian interpretation of the broad concept of "Popular Music," refers to the musical performance of genres such as pop, rock, folk, jazz, and other styles traditionally encompassed by the term. Internationally, "Popular Music" studies also include other disciplines in addition to performance and production, such as the music industry (rights, consumption, law, etc.) and aesthetics (criticism, commercialization, authenticity, etc.).

Digitalization and industry restructuring in recent years have changed the landscape for the traditional musician, and the master's program in Popular Music aims to provide students with a clearly defined but also broad and holistic approach to the discipline of Popular Music. We emphasize performance but also provide students with insight into and competence within various parts of the music industry and cultural industry at large.

In the master's program in Popular Music, students apply for admission to one of five different specializations, the first four of which are performing: Performing Rhythmic Music, Electronic Music, World Music, Songwriting, or Music Business and Management.

Through the chosen specialization, the student shall develop a competence and profile within performing music, musicology or a combination of these, aimed at specific areas and work situations.

Students in the master's program in Popular Music can participate in the faculty's various research groups.

About the Specializations:

1.The specialization in Performing Music focuses on personal expression and musical identity, aiming to develop artistic and technical skills to prepare students as music performers at an advanced and professional level.

2.The specialization in Electronic Music has a performing profile where students are guided to discover and realize their artistic ideas through and by using music technology. Emphasis is placed on developing students' personal and aesthetic awareness through artistic creation, performance practice, and critical reflection. The curriculum includes subjects such as sound design, composition, programming, and production of electronic music.

3.World Music is a performing specialization where instrumentalists/vocalists explore their own traditional music and connect it with music from other parts of the world. This specialization is designed for performing musicians and music educators who aim to build bridges across borders and cultures, expanding their stylistic repertoire.

4. The Songwriting specialization emphasizes the further development of students' own artistic expression. Through critical reflection, sharing, and feedback on work-in-progress, various methods and approaches to the textual, musical, and performative aspects of creative practices in songwriting are explored.

Across the performing specializations, there is a theoretical component where students acquire knowledge of various research methods and directions in popular music studies, learning to relate this to practical music performance. This provides a solid foundation for musical innovation and reflection on one's own musical practice.

5.The Music Business and Management specialization is designed for those interested in working with idea development and entrepreneurship within the national and international music industry. The specialization incorporates elements from multiple disciplines including entrepreneurship, marketing, music, management, and copyright. Students gain solid insight into the current music industry landscape, nationally and internationally, with a particular focus on emerging markets, new revenue streams, new technologies, and copyright issues.

The Master's thesis (30 credits) is a central part of the program and should constitute an independent scientific work / artistic research project within the chosen specialization.

The field of popular music is internationally oriented, with creative and performance impulses constantly evolving across national boundaries. The Department of Rhythmic Music is affiliated with international networks and has exchange agreements with several prominent European music institutions. Throughout the program, master's students will encounter foreign guest lecturers through master classes, workshops, lectures, and projects. Partner institutions are selected to ensure that students receive input from key international academic communities through teacher exchange programs. Master classes, workshops, and lectures with foreign guest lecturers complement regular instruction and enhance the learning outcomes for master's students. The program curriculum relies on international literature, incorporating global perspectives within the music field.

The Faculty of Fine Arts is engaged internationally through programs such as NORDPLUS and Erasmus+, facilitating student exchange opportunities during the third semester for all specializations. Incoming exchange students can access all first-year courses as well as Music Business III and New Technologies in the third semester, all offered in English. When establishing exchange agreements, emphasis is placed on ensuring that the expertise of the partner institution's faculty complements the student's instrumental/professional background from their home institution. Please refer to the UiA website for information on exchange opportunities during the program. The performing specializations (Performing Music, Electronic Music, World Music, Songwriting) can be completed in English. The theoretical specialization, Music Business and Management, is offered exclusively in English.

To proceed to the second year of the program, ME-426 Music Scientific Theory and Methodology (15 credits) must be successfully completed.

For students in the performing specializations (Performing Music, Electronic Music, World Music, Songwriting), passing MUR402 Individual Performance and Interpretation I (15 credits) and MUR403 Individual Performance and Interpretation II (15 credits) is also required to advance to the second year.

Student evaluation is conducted annually through study councils in accordance with the quality system, Chapter 4.2.

There are no fees for mandatory study trips, courses, or excursions for students. Optional study trips may incur expenses for students. Alternative activities will be arranged for those unable to participate, which, similar to study trips, will enhance student learning outcomes.