University of Witwatersrand - Wits Music

Wits Music is one of South Africa’s most innovative higher education music departments, preparing students for a music career in the 21st century. Music is a multi-billion-rand industry in South Africa, and with Johannesburg being the centre of Africa’s creative industries, including the South African (and African) music industry and Wits University situated in the heart of the City of Joburg, it makes sense to study music here in Africa’s music and economic capital.

Wits Music distinguishes itself by interacting with the other arts, as the only university music department in Africa to be part of a School of Arts including television & film, dramatic arts, digital arts, fine arts, and arts and culture management divisions. By collaborating with students from the rest of the School, preparing themselves for careers in a high-tech world, in which the media and arts are increasingly converging, students are provided with a thorough training in the disciplines of the music profession, while also offering them opportunities to explore beyond music. Also unique at Wits Music, students are not “streamed” into jazz, classical or African music degrees. This presents a great opportunity for students who are willing to experience and learn other kinds of music.

Wits Music offers a general Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree in which, for example, a classical clarinettist will also do jazz theory and music production, or a musical theatre voice student will learn classical counterpoint and bebop history. They believe that learning is enriched in cross-disciplinary engagement and that this results in a widening outlook of skills and knowledge which will ultimately benefit graduates’ careers, and distinguish Wits musicians. As a small music department, limiting our first year intake to 30 students, Wits Music allows for a more student-centred, individualised learning environment, which offers academic mentoring not available at larger institutions. Wits Music students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, reflecting our society and world. They study with performers, composers, and thinkers at the forefront of their fields, graduating with relevant, diverse and rigorous training. They therefore have the opportunity to work in several professional contexts.