Navigating Music Courses in Nepal

November 26, 2023
Last updated November 28, 2023
Navigating Music Courses in Nepal

Nepal's music legacy is a captivating collage, woven together with an array of traditions and influences, mirroring the nation's culturally vibrant tapestry. Within Nepal's music education realm, there exists a dynamic spectrum encompassing classical foundations steeped in historical roots, modern fusion expressions, and a rich array of instruments and vocal methodologies.

For those with aspirations to delve deep into classical ragas, explore the realms of contemporary compositions, or delve into the intricacies of vocal techniques, Nepal's music education landscape beckons with a treasure trove of opportunities. Below you can find a list of Music related courses available in Nepal.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Tribhuvan University

Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Music (Vocal and Instruments), spanning four years, seeks to cultivate a holistic understanding of music, encompassing practical and theoretical aspects. This course emphasizes foundational practical skills in music, covering modern, folk, and classical genres, while its overarching objectives are to provide students with a fundamental grasp of Eastern and Western music, offer a well-rounded musical education, facilitate advanced listening and composition capabilities, enhance performance skills through comprehensive knowledge, and foster an awareness of music's multifaceted contributions to society, history, technology, economics, and culture.

Learn more about this course HERE.

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Kathmandu University

Bachelor of Arts in Music (BMus) is a four-year program focusing on training musicians and ethnomusicologists to document and preserve Nepal's endangered musical traditions. This immersive course encourages active student participation and aims to sustain Nepal's musical heritage through study, practice, documentation, and creative development. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in music performance, studies, and modern recording, contributing to various cultural sectors. The program also emphasizes the preservation of traditional repertoires, meeting contemporary standards while involving traditional musicians and dancers. The BMus degree is awarded upon successful completion of the coursework and project work, encompassing eight semesters of full-time study and providing a comprehensive understanding of Nepalese and South Asian music, along with global musical traditions and ethnomusicological skills. The course is available at Kathmandu University School of Arts.

Learn more about this course HERE.

BFA in Classical Vocal | Instrumental

Tribhuvan University

The BFA in Classical Vocal/Instrumental (Music) program sets a solid foundation by delving into Classical and Folk Music fundamentals, gradually guiding students towards proficiency in Stage Performance and Music Technology. With a nominal entrance fee of Rs 1000, the program promotes accessibility to aspiring musicians. Moreover, it offers scholarships to deserving students based on both talent and financial need, fostering a nurturing environment for the next generation of musicians to excel in their musical journeys, making quality musical education more accessible and inclusive for all.

Learn more about this course HERE.

BFA in Classical Tabala

Tribhuvan University

The BFA program in Classical Tabala (Music) offers a captivating blend of musical education, commencing with the fundamentals of Classical Tabala and Folk Rhythmic practices, and progressing into more advanced skills and knowledge in Stage Performance and Sound Technology in the later years. An entrance fee of Rs 1000 is applicable, while admission and tuition fees for each year of the four-year program are approximately Rs 20,000. It's important to note that the fees mentioned do not cover expenses for books, stationery, and additional materials, and they are subject to potential revisions. Additionally, scholarships are available to eligible students, prioritizing regular attendance, talent, and financial need in accordance with established criteria and regulations.

Learn more about this course HERE.

MA in Music

Tribhuvan University

The Master of Arts (MA) in Music, a program spanning two years and affiliated with Tribhuvan University, caters to accomplished undergraduate students who exhibit outstanding musical abilities and a cultivated appreciation for music. This program presents students with a unique opportunity to cultivate and expand their talents as creative or performing artists. Tailored to individual interests, the curriculum encompasses diverse aspects such as solo instrument mastery, classical composition and methodologies, vocal studies, compositional techniques, and a broad spectrum of musical influences, allowing students to pursue their musical passions in-depth and flourish as artists. This program is available exclusively at Lalitkala Campus.

Learn more about this course HERE.

Master of Arts in Music

Kathmandu University

Kathmandu University's Department of Music provides a two-year Masters Program in Music. This MA program in Music is characterized by its high degree of student engagement, requiring active involvement in preparation, field research, and leading class discussions. The coursework places a significant emphasis on the importance of combining fieldwork with a solid theoretical foundation, equipping students with the skills necessary for ongoing research and teaching at both tertiary and secondary education levels, as well as offering practical applications in various institutional contexts. This program is available at Kathmandu University School of Arts.

Learn more about this program HERE.