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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Choral Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96439  Higher Certificate in Choral Studies 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Performing Arts 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification serves to provide learners with basic knowledge and introduces them to the cognitive and conceptual skills such as practical techniques. The intended outcomes is to have more skilful conductors who will assist with the improvement of choral music and assist in the development of up and coming musicians who will be able to demonstrate understanding of core areas in choral music, select repertoire, and communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently.

Rationale:
In the field of art, choral music is a developed ability and learnt skill. Choral music artists in South Africa lack appropriate knowledge of choral music, and this has a negative impact in the field. Thus this qualification is aimed at equipping learners with the necessary skills so that they are able to contribute positively to the field. Institutions such as the Department of Education host choral competitions on an annual basis and for them to succeed in this competition; choral artists are expected to facilitate workshops in order to assist choir conductors with the conducting of a choir. On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to work for institutions like the Department of Arts and Culture as qualified choral music artists, as well as in the Department of Education by assisting educators with the music component in the learning area of arts and culture, and can also work at the Department of Correctional Services as qualified choral music artists to conduct choirs. Furthermore the South African Police Service also appoints choral music artists to conduct the brass bands. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Department Admission Committee will evaluate the learner's experience based on merit of each case. After the evaluation the Committee will make a recommendation to the School Admission Committee. The School Admission Committee may require testimonials and proof of certificates.

RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a particular qualification, but with proven expertise and competency will be considered.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement to enrol for the Higher Certificate in Choral Studies is either a:
  • Senior Certificate without endorsement.
  • National Senior Certificate.
  • National Certificate (Vocational). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 5 modules totalling 120 Credits at NQF Level 5:
  • Choral Training and Directing, 30 Credits.
  • Music Literacy, 40 Credits.
  • History of Choral Music, 20 Credits.
  • Practical Musicianship, 10 Credits.
  • Basic Keyboard Training, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of core areas in choral music.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to select repertoire and apply practical knowledge.
    3. Demonstrate ability to communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Integrating all the knowledge learnt throughout the qualification a mini dissertation and a long essay is compiled.
  • Music is written and clearly expressed.
  • Portfolio of compositions, texts, transcripts and recordings are produced.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Ability to conduct a choir is demonstrated.
  • Individual and group performance is demonstrated.
  • Electronic equipment and musical instruments are used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Understanding of, and respect for conventions around intellectual property is applied.
  • Responsibility for resources where appropriate is taken into consideration.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Higher Certificate in Choral Studies comprises of various forms of assessments, which also include written assessments. The focus is on choral performance which is assessed by internal and external choral music experts.

    Formative assessment:
    This form of assessment comprises tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance.

    Summative assessment:
    This form of assessment comprises of written and practical examinations, a long essay and a portfolio of evidence as outlined by the modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of Denver:
    The University of Denver in Colorado, United State of America (USA) offers a Certificate in conducting choral music. The qualification offers professional training in the conducting of Western art music in choral, orchestral, and wind traditions. This qualification is intended for learners who are not yet prepared to enter an Artist Diploma qualification. Learners will gain valuable hands-on experience with many of the extra-musical activities which conductors and music directors face, including managing personnel, librarian activities, running auditions, recruiting, etc.

    University Of Washington:
    The University of Washington in the United States of America offers a teacher certificate in choral conducting. Learners are immersed in hands-on, individually focused and conducting experience. Learners are also trained to conduct, teach and lead in events such as choral festivals, visits from renowned choral scholars and international tours. Learners are also expected to undergo research which includes, Laban Movement Theory for Conductors, Baltic Choral Repertoire, New Music and Gesture, and Expressivity in Choral Conducting.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the qualifications that are offered internationally. The qualifications provide learners with choral music skills and research skills. Furthermore, the qualifications are similar in terms of exposing learners to various experiential learning activities in order to express themselves in choral conducting, and to give the learners the opportunity to learn from various experts in the field. This qualification could only be suitably compared with the qualifications offered by the institutions in the USA because other countries do not offer similar qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for both horizontal and vertical articulation such as:

    Horizontal:
  • Higher Certificate in Music at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical:
  • Diploma in Choral Studies at NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Venda 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.