Certificate in Music and Dance
The Certificate in Music and Dance provides foundational training in music performance, dance techniques, traditional and contemporary performing arts, and creative expression. Students learn music fundamentals, dance styles, choreography, traditional Kenyan music and dance, and performance skills. The programme is designed for individuals with talent and interest in performing arts seeking formal qualification or a pathway to further studies.
Students develop competencies in music performance, dance techniques, choreography, traditional Kenyan performing arts, stage performance, and creative expression. The curriculum covers fundamentals of music, dance techniques, traditional music and dance of Kenya, choreography, performance practice, and creative arts. Practical skills are developed through studio sessions and performance assessments.
The performing arts sector in Kenya is growing with increasing recognition of the creative economy. Music and dance are integral to Kenyan culture, with opportunities in education, entertainment, cultural preservation, tourism, and the creative industries. The programme provides accessible entry-level training for talented individuals seeking formal qualification in performing arts.
The programme combines classroom lectures with practical studio sessions and performance training. Students practise music performance, learn dance techniques, develop choreography, and prepare for stage performances. Teaching methods include lectures, practical sessions, studio work, and performance-based assessments. The programme emphasises practical performing arts skills with both music and dance components.
Graduates find employment as performers, dance instructors' assistants, music performers, cultural event coordinators, or entertainment industry support personnel. The certificate also provides a pathway to diploma programmes in music and dance at MMUST. Some graduates use the qualification to support professional performing arts careers or cultural work.
This programme is ideal for individuals with talent and interest in music and dance, including KCSE graduates, performing artists, and cultural workers. The accessible entry requirements accommodate talented individuals who may not meet standard university entry thresholds.
- Duration
- 1 year
- Public, up to
- Ksh 63,630
- Job market
- Low
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Practicalities
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Attachment
- 0 months
- Average class
- 20 students
- Award
- Certificate
What you study
10 subjects- Fundamentals of Music Theory
- Dance Techniques and Styles
- Traditional Music and Dance of Kenya
- Choreography Basics
- Music Performance
- Dance Performance
- Stage Performance and Presentation
- Creative Expression
- Music and Dance Appreciation
- Performance Practicum
Modules
8 in the programmeFundamentals of Music Theory
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Fundamentals of music theory covering notation, scales, rhythm, basic harmony, and music reading skills for performing arts.
Dance Techniques and Styles
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Dance techniques covering basic dance styles, body movement, posture, coordination, and introduction to various dance genres.
Traditional Music and Dance of Kenya
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Traditional music and dance of Kenya covering ethnic music and dance traditions, traditional instruments, cultural contexts, and performance practices.
Music Performance and Voice Training
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Music performance covering instrument or voice training, performance techniques, repertoire development, and ensemble performance.
Choreography and Dance Performance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Choreography basics covering movement composition, dance sequencing, creating dance routines, and dance performance techniques.
Stage Performance and Presentation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Stage performance covering stage presence, performance preparation, audience engagement, and presenting music and dance performances.
Creative Expression and Appreciation
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Creative expression covering improvisation, creative process in performing arts, and music and dance appreciation including history and genres.
Performance Practicum and Recital
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Performance practicum providing hands-on performance experience, and a final recital demonstrating practical music and dance competencies.
Specialisations
Music Performance
Focus on music performance including instrument or voice training, repertoire, and ensemble performance.
Dance Performance
Focus on dance techniques, choreography, and dance performance across various styles.
Traditional Performing Arts
Focus on traditional Kenyan music and dance, cultural preservation, and ethnic performing arts traditions.
A day as a student
A typical day combines morning lectures on music and dance theory with afternoon practical studio sessions. Students practise dance techniques, develop music performance skills, learn traditional Kenyan music and dance, and create choreography. Performance practice is central, with students preparing for stage performances and practical assessments. Studio work involves both individual and group performance practice.
The trade offs
In its favour
- Combines music and dance training, providing versatile performing arts skills.
- Accessible entry requirements (KCSE D) accommodate talented individuals regardless of academic grades.
- Provides a pathway to diploma programmes in music and dance at MMUST.
Against it
- Career opportunities in performing arts are competitive and often involve freelance work.
- The programme is offered at only one university, limiting accessibility.
- Performing arts careers may involve irregular income, especially at entry level.
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 73 art and design coursesAnnual tuition in Kenyan shillings, rounded. The upright tick is the median for this field, so a bar sitting entirely to its right is an expensive programme by the standards of its own subject.
The fine print
MMUST 40K/yr, KU 63,630/yr (mmust.ac.ke, ku.ac.ke). Private: unverified.
HELB loans and NGCDF bursaries are available for eligible Kenyan students. MMUST may offer institutional support for talented performing arts students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
NGCDF Bursary
Scholarships
2 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in certificate programmes at chartered universities
NGCDF Bursary
BursaryKenyan
Kenyan students from respective constituencies pursuing certificate-level studies
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
- KCSE mean grade
- D
- Alternative entry
- KCSE D (Plain) or relevant artisan course from a recognised institution.
How you are assessed
3 componentsPractical Assessment
Practical assessment60% of the mark
Practical assessments evaluating music and dance performance skills, technique, and choreographic competency.
Theoretical Assessment
Written examination20% of the mark
Theoretical assessments evaluating music theory, dance knowledge, and understanding of traditional performing arts.
Performance Recital
Practical assessment20% of the mark
A final performance recital demonstrating combined music and dance competencies before an audience.
Accreditation
MMUST is chartered by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered as a TVET certificate programme.
Accredited by
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
MMUST is chartered by CUE. The programme is offered as a TVET certificate.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesPerformer
Moderate demand
Performs music and dance in events, cultural festivals, entertainment venues, or tourism contexts, applying performance skills from the programme.
Dance Instructor's Assistant
Moderate demand
Assists in dance instruction in schools, dance studios, or community programmes, supporting dance technique teaching and choreography.
Cultural Event Coordinator
Moderate demand
Coordinates cultural events and performances, organising music and dance presentations for cultural festivals, tourism, or community events.
Entertainment Industry Support
Low demand
Supports entertainment productions as backup performers, stage assistants, or production support in the entertainment and creative industry.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates find employment as performers, dance instructors' assistants, and cultural event coordinators in the entertainment and cultural sectors, with opportunities for progression to diploma programmes in music and dance.
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Music and dance is not a serious academic subject.
Performing arts involves structured training in theory, technique, performance, and cultural knowledge that requires formal study and practice.
Performing arts certificates have no career value.
Graduates find employment in performance, education support, cultural events, and the entertainment industry, with pathways to diploma programmes.
Music and dance is only for entertainment.
Performing arts plays a role in cultural preservation, education, tourism, therapy, and social development beyond entertainment.
You need to be a natural performer to study music and dance.
While talent helps, performance skills can be developed through formal training in technique, theory, and practice.
Related courses
Further reading
Fees and entry marks for Certificate in Music and Dance are restated every intake. Save it and the app keeps this version, so you can see what changed when it does.