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Advanced Diploma in Practical Music

Advanced diploma
ID:
0614_100_L100

The one-year Advanced Diploma programme in Practical Music offers specialised performance training in music equipping you to teach your main instrument. Practical instruction is given in piano, organ and all modern orchestral instruments, as well as in singing, harpsichord, guitar, choir conducting and recorder.

Ample opportunities are available for music-making in such groups as the US Symphony Orchestra, the US Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the US Jazz Band, the US Brass Ensemble, various choirs and many smaller ensembles.

Possible careers that this programme may prepare you for, are performing artist, accompanist, music teacher or conductor. Further studies might allow admission to BMus with specialisation in Music Education, Musical Performance in Chamber Music or Accompaniment, Solo Singing or Solo Performance, Musicology, Composition, Music Technology, Church Music, Ethnomusicology or Choir Conducting.

Contact information
Cheryl Richardson
Faculty Administrator

Programme overview

Duration
One year
Campus
Stellenbosch

More information

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Career opportunities

Performing artist, accompanist, music teacher or conductor. Studies might allow admission to BMus with specialisation in Music Education, Musical Performance in Chamber Music or Accompaniment, Solo Singing or Solo Performance, Musicology, Composition, Music Technology, Church Music, Ethnomusicology or Choir Conducting.
Occupations:
Musician
Teacher

Minimum admission requirements – NSC/ IEB

- You must have a Diploma (Practical Music), or another qualification in music as approved by Senate.
- You will be selected based on a selection audition. If you do not have the necessary qualifications, you may be accepted on condition that you undertake supplementary work.
- Candidates must be available for an audition at the Department of Music in Stellenbosch, where they must demonstrate proof of the required standards. Upon receiving your application, we send you information about the audition. Further information at [email protected].

Minimum admission requirements – International curricula

IEB-ISC

Not referenced in International Booklet

German Abitur

Not referenced in International Booklet

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)

Not referenced in International Booklet

Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel AS-level , IGCSE/O-level

Not referenced in International Booklet

Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel A-level , IGCSE/O-level

Not referenced in International Booklet

Programme structure

Full-time

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1 April 2026
Applications close:
31 July 2026
International students
Applications open:
1 April 2026
Applications close:
31 July 2026