Diploma in Music
The Diploma in Music is a programme that equips students with knowledge and practical skills in music theory, performance, composition, music history, music technology and music education. Offered at Kenyatta University, Maseno University and Kabarak University, the programme prepares students for careers in music performance, teaching, production and the creative arts industry.
The short answer
- What it costs
- Up to Ksh 93,200 a year at a public institution, Ksh 279,600 for the whole course.The detail
- Who can get in
- A KCSE mean grade of C+ or above, plus 1 subject grade. There is another way in without it.The detail
- How long, and when
- Takes 3 years, full-time, with 3 months of attachment. Next intake January 2027, at 5 institutions.The detail
The programme
What you study, how long it takes, and how it is delivered.
Overview
The curriculum covers music theory and harmony, aural skills, music history and appreciation, instrumental and vocal performance, composition and arrangement, music technology and production, African music and ethnomusicology, music education methods, choral and ensemble directing, piano skills, research methods and practicum. Students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical musicianship skills.
Kenya's creative economy is growing, with increasing demand for trained musicians in education, entertainment, media, worship and cultural sectors. The programme responds to the need for skilled music professionals who can perform, teach, compose and produce music across diverse genres and contexts.
The programme is delivered through lectures, practical lessons, ensemble participation, recitals, studio sessions, field research, research projects, group discussions and practicum. Students gain hands-on experience in music performance, composition and production through practical lessons, ensemble participation and recital performances.
Graduates pursue careers as music teachers, performers, composers, music producers, choir directors and music coordinators in schools, churches, media houses, recording studios and cultural organisations. They can also progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Bachelor of Music at their respective universities.
Prospective students should have interest in music performance, theory and creativity. The programme is suitable for students seeking careers in music education, performance, production and the creative arts.
What you study
8 subjects- Music Theory, Harmony and Aural Skills
- Music History, Appreciation and African Music
- Instrumental and Vocal Performance
- Composition, Arrangement and Music Technology
- Music Education Methods and Choral Directing
- Ethnomusicology and Piano Skills
- Ensemble Participation and Research Methods
- Practicum and Music Project
Modules
8 in the programmeMusic Theory, Harmony and Aural Skills
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers music theory fundamentals, scales, intervals, chords, harmony, voice leading, aural skills, sight singing and dictation.
Music History, Appreciation and African Music
Year 1Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers Western music history, music appreciation, African music traditions, ethnomusicology, Kenyan music and world music cultures.
Instrumental and Vocal Performance
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers instrumental performance techniques, vocal techniques, solo and ensemble performance, repertoire development and performance practice.
Composition, Arrangement and Music Technology
Year 1Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers composition techniques, arrangement, orchestration, music notation software, digital audio workstations and music production fundamentals.
Music Education Methods and Choral Directing
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers music education methods, teaching strategies, choral conducting, choir management, rehearsal techniques and music curriculum development.
Piano Skills and Ensemble Participation
Year 2Semester 13 creditsCore
Covers piano performance skills, accompaniment techniques, ensemble participation, band and orchestra skills and collaborative music making.
Ethnomusicology and Research Methods
Year 2Semester 23 creditsCore
Covers ethnomusicology, field research methods, music transcription, cultural analysis of music and research project design.
Practicum and Music Project
Year 3Semester 16 creditsCore
A supervised practicum in a school, church or cultural organisation, plus a music project (recital, composition or research) assessed through performance and report.
Specialisations
Music Performance
Focuses on instrumental or vocal performance for careers as professional performers.
Music Education
Specialises in music teaching methods for careers as music teachers in schools.
Music Technology and Production
Focuses on music technology and production for careers as music producers.
Ethnomusicology
Specialises in African music and cultural studies for careers in research and cultural preservation.
A day as a student
A typical day begins with a morning lecture on music theory or history, followed by an instrumental or vocal practical lesson. Afternoon sessions may include ensemble rehearsal, a studio session on music technology, or an ethnomusicology field discussion. Students also practise individually, prepare for recitals and work on composition projects.
The trade-offs
| In its favour | Against it |
|---|---|
| The programme combines performance, theory, technology and education, providing versatile music skills. | Music careers can be financially unpredictable, especially for freelance performers. |
| Graduates can progress to a Bachelor of Arts in Music or Bachelor of Music at their respective universities. | The programme requires musical aptitude and dedication to regular practice. |
| Kenya's growing creative economy offers opportunities in music education, production and performance. | — |
What it costs
Tuition at both ends of the market, and how to pay for it.
What it costs, and where
Against 188 arts & humanities 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
KU 93.2K/yr (fixusjobs.com). TVET colleges & private unverified.
Students can access HELB loans. Universities may offer internal bursaries and music scholarships for talented students.
Funding options
HELB Loan
Scholarships
1 recordedHELB Loan
LoanKsh 40,000Kenyan
Kenyan students enrolled in accredited programmes at recognised institutions
Scholarships you could apply for
8 usable where it is taught- Equity Group Foundation Wings to Fly
Closes 28 February 2027FullEquity Bank
Full secondary + university
- Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullAga Khan Foundation
Full university study
- KCB Foundation Scholarship
Closes 31 March 2027FullKCB Bank
Full tuition + stipend
- Family Bank Foundation Education Support
Closes 30 June 2027PartialFamily Bank
KES 80,000 per year
- HELB Undergraduate Scholarship
Closes 31 July 2027PartialHigher Education Loans Board
KES 40,000 to 60,000 per year
- County Government Scholarships
Varies by countyPartialCounty Governments
KES 50,000 to 200,000 per year
- Kenyatta University Scholarship
Before semesterPartialKenyatta University
30 to 50% tuition waiver
- Moringa School Craftbyte Scholarship
QuarterlyFullMoringa School
Full software development course
Getting in
The grades, the alternatives, and who accredits the award.
What you need
Higher Certificate of Music from Kenyatta University, or ABRSM Grade 6 theory and Grade 5 practical, or evidence of music activity in recognised organisations.
When it next starts
Taught at 5 institutionsIncluding Maseno University, Kenyatta University, Kabarak University.
Including Maseno University, Kenyatta University, Kabarak University.
Including Maseno University, Kenyatta University, Kabarak University.
How you are assessed
4 componentsContinuous Assessment Tests
Written examination30% of the mark
Mid-semester and end-of-semester written tests covering music theory, history and harmony.
Practical Examinations
Practicum40% of the mark
Assessment of instrumental and vocal performance through practical examinations and recital performances.
Music Project
Project30% of the mark
A music project (recital, composition portfolio or research), assessed through performance and written report.
Practicum Report
Practicum100% of the mark
Assessment of performance during supervised practicum in a school, church or cultural organisation.
Accreditation
Commission for University Education
AcademicRequired
Accredited by the Commission for University Education (CUE). The programme is offered at Kenyatta University, Maseno University and Kabarak University.
Where it leads
The roles it opens, and what you leave with.
Where graduates go
4 rolesMusic Teacher
Moderate demandKsh 28,000 to Ksh 150,000
Teaches music in primary and secondary schools, develops music curricula and directs school choirs and ensembles.
Music Performer
Low demandKsh 20,000 to Ksh 200,000
Performs as a vocalist or instrumentalist in bands, orchestras, churches and entertainment venues, pursuing a professional performance career.
Music Producer
Moderate demandKsh 25,000 to Ksh 180,000
Produces music in recording studios, arranges compositions, manages recording sessions and supports artists in music production.
Choir Director
Moderate demandKsh 24,000 to Ksh 140,000
Directs choirs in churches, schools and community organisations, conducts rehearsals, selects repertoire and leads performances.
Graduate outcomes
Graduates work as music teachers, performers, composers, music producers and choir directors in schools, churches, media and cultural organisations.
Certifications
Industry links
Common misconceptions
Music is just about singing and playing instruments.
Music as a discipline involves theory, history, composition, technology, education, ethnomusicology and research, alongside performance skills.
There are no career opportunities in music in Kenya.
Kenya's creative economy is growing, with opportunities in music education, performance, production, media, worship and cultural sectors.
A music diploma is not a serious qualification.
The diploma provides professional music training and serves as a pathway to a Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music.
You need to be a prodigy to study music.
While musical aptitude is required, the programme develops skills systematically through structured training in theory, performance and composition.