Programme description for Electronic Music, Bachelor Programme (2025–2028)

After completing the course, the student should:

KNOWLEDGE

• have a broad knowledge of various aspects and styles of electronic music
• have obtained knowledge of the history, traditions, uniqueness and place of electronic music in the society
• have knowledge of various creative approaches to performing, producing, programming and composing electronic music
• have broad knowledge of software, digital instruments, tools and methods within

electronic music

• have knowledge of relevant production and arenas of presenting electronic music
• have knowledge of popular music research and artistic research within electronic music
• Ability to identify areas of development for one's own artistic practice
• be able to update their knowledge in the field of electronic music

SKILLS

• Be able to reflect on one's own learning and set goals for one's own improvement and development, including making independent choices regarding work methods and artistic methods for composition and dissemination, and developing skills under individual guidance
• be able to apply research-based methods to develop own projects
• To be able to communicate one's own and others' compositional ideas in a concert and production setting
• have strengthened their professional basis for innovation and creative thinking in the artistic practice and production of electronic music
• master relevant tools, techniques and forms of expression in electronic music
• be able to use listening as a method for acquiring knowledge of musical processes
• be able to participate in and understand artistic processes within electronic music

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• have gained insight into the practice, composition and production of music
• be able to plan and carry out various projects as a performer, producer, sound engineer, composer and songwriter
• be able to convey central subjects in electronic music, exchange experiences and views based on electronic music, and thereby contribute to the development of good artistic practice
• have gained insight into relevant professional and ethical issues within electronic music
• know innovative processes within electronic music
• Be familiar with and understand different ways to operationalize one's own and others' artistic projects in a meaningful manner within a music industry perspective

The bachelor's programme in electronic music consists of performer-related, music technology and theoretical music subjects and is intended to prepare students for a profession in the arts and culture sector, e.g., as a performer, artist, producer, sound engineer or composer.

Artistic skills are an important prerequisite for being able to convey electronic music. The study focuses on music production, composition, songwriting, programming, practice and dissemination of electronic music where the balance between traditional and future societal needs is central. In addition, the program provides students with instruction in an optional instrument II.

Digitization and a restructuring within the music industry in recent years have changed the everyday life of the traditional musician, and the bachelor's program in electronic music aims to provide students a clearly defined as well as a broad and holistic approach to electronic music. The study focuses on performance and provide an insight into different parts of the music industry and the cultural field.

The study utilize various teaching and learning modes such as individual teaching, group teaching, lectures, group projects with presentations, web lessons, video lessons, self-developed apps, practice-related activities, seminars and workshops with guest lecturers and guest musicians.

Teachers and student cooperate closely in the study. Throughout the program the student participates in projects with assignments relevant to their professional competence and interest, e.g., in cultural- and concert projects in collaboration with local and regional festivals and institutions or stakeholders.

The digital learning platform Canvas is used as a communication channel for the study program.

Parts of the teaching in the individual subjects are compulsory. See the individual course description.

The electronic music field has a strong and dominant international position where

the connection to contemporary popular music and its technology is very important. Creative and performance impulses are in constant development independent of national divides.

The Department of Popular Music at UiA is affiliated with international networks and has exchange agreements with several major European, American, and Southeast Asian music educations. During the bachelor program, the undergraduate students will meet foreign guest teachers through courses, lectures, projects, interaction in ensemble and one-on-one teaching. The institute's partner institutions have been selected with the aim of giving students impulses from central international academic learning environments through schemes of teacher exchanges. Interaction in ensemble, courses and lectures with foreign guest teachers should complement the regular teaching and strengthen the bachelor's student learning outcomes.

Parts of the teaching and syllabus will be in English and arranged for incoming exchange students.

Student exchange is normally facilitated in the 5th semester. On exchange students receive instruction in their main field of study. When entering into exchange agreements it is emphasized that the performance music environment at the partner institution has expertise that complements the student's instrumental background from the home institution. For further information check UiA’s website about exchange opportunities.

The program qualifies for further studies in Popular Music Performance, a master's program at the University of Agder, as well as various master's programs in music and electronic music both in Norway and abroad.

The program qualifies for creative and performing work in the arts and culture sector. The program can be a starting point for a career in performing music, and the candidate will be able to choose professions with various tasks related to performing, songwriting, production, music technology, multimedia, composition, and dissemination of music.

It is required that all students at UiA have their own laptop computer for use in teaching and examination, cf. Regulations on Studies and Examination at the University of Agder § 12d.

Students are expected to provide their own instrument.

Elective courses require at least seven students.