Just finished your school and looking forward to music programs for your future? I have researched some colleges and universities in Malaysia for your convenience.
I will be based on a Malaysian Student’s perspective to share my information. For your information, there are Public or Private Colleges and Universities.
The main difference is the fees. Private Colleges/Universities need higher tuition fees compared to Public Colleges/Universities. Please be aware that some colleges/universities need to pay extra fees for your Major/Minor instruments lessons, which means the tuition fees only cover your program during your studies.
Most of the schools do provide choir or even orchestral ensemble during the program. In my opinion, it is a good experience doing so, highly recommended to participate in it!
*You may also try to apply for scholarships or even PTPTN for your studies.*
Table of Contents
So what are the career opportunities that you can have in the future?
- Musician
- Composer
- Arranger
- Music Copyist
- Orchestrator
- Conductor
- Film Composer
- Music Producer
- Music Therapist
- Music Teacher
- Music Supervisor
Most of the requirements are mostly the same for most of the schools.
Some do require auditions if you do not have any music certificates, so please prepare some music repertoire during the auditions for the interviewer.
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA), founded in 1967 as a non-profit making organization. They offer a range of Diploma courses in the field of art, design, and music. MIA has a few different campuses allocated for different fields.
MIA Music Department offers an exchange program with the University of Wolverhampton and the University of Middlesex. After completing studies with MIA Music Department, you can complete a Bachelor’s Degree in another 9 months with either one of the universities.
During the studies, they offered a range of different curriculum which included arranging, orchestration, performance ensemble, analysis, internship, etc.
The only Diploma in Music course intake is January, April & August, and the duration will be 3 years.
Alumni: Dr. Chong Kee Yong, Yeo Chow Shern, Vincent Chin, Wesley Wong
Locations: 213, Jalan Negara 2, Taman Melawati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact Number: +603 – 4106 4697
Links: https://mia.edu.my/programmes/music/
UCSI University
UCSI University (Private) was founded in 1986. It offers a range of different fields such as business and management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Medicine and Health Sciences, Music, etc. It has lots of campuses in different states of Malaysia, but the Music is only located in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur.
There are some core courses (compulsory) for you to take during the program, as well as some of the elective courses (13 credits) such as World Music, Jingle Writing, Music and Film, Introduction to Jazz Improvisation, Film Scoring, etc.
The intakes are in January, May & September. The course duration varies from which degree (Diploma/Bachelor/Master) you are taking.
Alumni: Onn San (Film Composer), Falk Au Yeong (Sound Engineer)
Locations: No. 1, Jalan Menara Gading, UCSI Heights (Taman Connaught), Cheras 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact Number: +603 – 9109 8882
Links: https://www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my/programmes/bachelor-classical-music-hons
International College of Music (ICOM)
International College of Music, ICOM (Private) was established in 1995 which only focuses on music. He is the only college which we can use credit-transfer agreement (CTA) to Berklee College of Music in Boston to finish the Bachelor Degree in Music.
ICOM offers a year of Foundation of Music which can help you cover the basics in Malaysia before you go to Berklee College of Music. It can save some of your costs before traveling there too.
Locations: Wisma ICOM, Lot 126, Section 85A, Lorong Setapak, 53000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact Number: +603 – 4023 6000
Links: https://www.icom.edu.my/
SEGi College
SEGi College, (Private) has a different campus in Malaysia. Whereas the music campus is in Subang Jaya. The program integrates music theory and harmony, music history, musicianship, and performance studies, which provides a wealth of musical experience and transferable skills, preparing students for undergraduate study or the workplace.
Locations: Subang Jaya, Kuala Lumpur
Contact Number: +603-8600 1777
Links: https://colleges.segi.edu.my/subangjaya/course/diploma-in-music/
Sunway University
Sunway University (Private), provides advanced infrastructure that enhances the teaching and learning process of their students. From a music recording studio to a screening room, our students have plenty of opportunities to develop and refine their practical skills in the creative arts.
The intakes are April & August.
Locations: No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia.
Contact Number: +603-7491 8622
Links: https://university.sunway.edu.my/soa/ba-music-performance
Universiti of Malaya (UM)
The University of Malaya, UM (Public) has offered lots of the program and one of the core programs (Bachelor of Music) started in 1997. The Bachelor of Music focuses on four areas of study – music performance, composition, ethnomusicology, and music education.
Due to its public university, students are required to take some of the university courses such as Malaysia History, Malay language, etc.
The only intake for UM is in September, and the duration is 3 years.
Locations: Jln Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Contact Number: +603 – 7967 3502
Links: https://creativearts.um.edu.my/bachelor-of-music
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM (Public) like the others offer lots of other programs. The Bachelor of Music program is designed to provide students with a firm grounding in music theory and practice.
Locations: University Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang Malaysia
Contact Number: +604 – 653 3888
Links: https://art.usm.my/programme/undergraduate/bmus-hons-performance-pedagogy/
| Colleges/University | Programs Offered |
| 1. Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA) | Diploma in Music |
| 2. UCSI | 1. Foundation in Music 2. Diploma in Music Teaching 3. Diploma in Music Performance 4. Bachelor of Contemporary Music (Hons.) 5. Bachelor of Classical Music (Hons.) 6. MMus in Performance Studies |
| 3. International College of Music (ICOM) | 1. Foundation in Music 2. Diploma in Sound Production |
| 4. SEGi College | Diploma in Music |
| 5. Sunway University | 1. BA (Hons) Music Performance 2. BA (Hons) Contemporary Music (Audio Technology) |
| 6. University of Malaya | 1. Bachelor of Music 2. Master of Performing Arts (Music) |
| 7. Universiti Sains Malaysia | 1. Bachelor of Music (Hons) Performance & Pedagogy 2. MA and Ph.D in Music |
*Side note*
I am taking this information from the school’s official website. I am just compiling everything to ease your research!
Hope this information is helpful for you guys.
There are actually still have plenty of music schools in Malaysia. Do Let me know if you need any extra information by dropping comments.
Please do take note that doesn’t mess up the registration date of each intake!
I will advise you to write it down in your calendar to remind yourself. And most important prepare your required documents and do well in your audition!
Wishing any of you Good Luck!
感覺馬來西亞也是很注重音樂文化的國家
有這麼多的大專學院都有音樂學系
对啊！马来西亚的确蛮注重音乐文化呢！=)