Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Satisfactory progress (75% or above) in both MUS2058 or MUS2094.

Exceptionally, a double major in performance may be permitted for students who have achieved first class marks for their instruments in MUS2058 and MUS2094 at the end of Stage 2.

Co Requisite Comment

All students must concurrently undertake an additional module that results in an extended piece of written academic work; this might be a major or minor dissertation or project but if a dissertation option is not taken the student must take a 20 credit historical/cultural option.

Aims

1.       to engage in a high-level programme of instrument or vocal performance.
2.       to consolidate and develop musical, technical, expressive and critical skills in performance practice.
3.       to demonstrate professional attitude and practice in preparation and performance.

By the end of this module you should have acquired: knowledge of performance practice issues stemming from the studied repertoire; knowledge, including an appropriate degree of memorisation, of the pieces learnt during the year; and awareness of professional performance standards (e.g. presentation, preparation, programme notes).

Because of the nature of instrumental study, tuition primarily takes place in one-to-one sessions with an external (approved) instrumental / vocal tutor (assigned to the student by the module leader and/or one of the heads of instrumental studies). Students are also required to attend some internal sessions (workshops) which might consist of instrumental master classes, guidance on performance formats, stagecraft, assessment etc. One-to-one tutorials are available with the module leader(s) in order for students to discuss their programmes. Time spent in supporting activities strengthens students' teamwork, and broadens their interpretative flexibility.

Assessment: A Specialist Study Project Proposal incorporating commentary on the previous year's recital video and examiners' feedback to be submitted in the middle of Semester 1 (10%), interim recital or recitals on each instrument, (20% ) and end of year performance of no more than 80 minutes duration, together with appropriate accompanying documentation (programme notes incorporating self-reflection and critical knowledge of observed live performances) (70%).

Outline Of Syllabus

Students prepare three recitals: two 15 minute interim recitals for each instrument (Semester 1) and the final recital, which may be performed as either two separate recitals of 40 minutes in length, or the student may decide to use both instruments or voice in a 2 x 40 minute recital format, which will be programmed consecutively and run as a standard professional length concern (with an interval between each half) (Semester 2). Students are supported in this process through consultation with the module leader(s) and a series of 18 one hour one-to-one lessons (or ensemble coaching sessions) with a specialist instrumental or vocal tutor for each instrument (36 hours total), supplemented by occasional workshops with Heads of Studies and guest tutors. as well as tutorials on Programme Notes, Stagecraft, and Assessment. The module requires approximately 380 hours of private study (individual practice and / or ensemble rehearsal).

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module you should have acquired:
1.       knowledge of performance practice issues stemming from the studied repertoire.
2.       knowledge including an appropriate degree of memorisation of the pieces learnt during the year.
3.       awareness of professional performance standards, including programme planning, preparation and the writing of informative and engaging programme notes.
4.       Knowledge of how to apply the established Assessment Criteria to one's own performance and to those of others.

Intended Skill Outcomes

By the end of this module you should be able to:
1.       design and pursue a year's programme of performance (in conjunction with your tutor)
2.       maintain a professional standard of preparation, practice and research into the chosen field.
3.       think critically and analytically about your chosen pieces, their styles, structures and interpretations
4.       give performances of the highest standard both musically and technically
5.       undertake a large- scale project, with a large degree of independent work.
6.       plan and execute performances that are challenging and of appropriate duration.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Individual lessons are the mode for the development of appropriate technical and interpretative skills. Group workshops provide further development of a range of performing, wellbeing, rehearsing and research skills. Individual tutorials provide opportunities for performance feedback and review, as well as programme planning.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The summative Specialist Project Proposal will encourage students to reflect critically on the video of their previous year's final recital, and to better understand examiners' marking criteria. It also requires creative research and the formulation of a plan of study leading to two professional level performances. Recitals accessible to the public provide a forum in which to display technical, musical, expressive and presentational skills developed in the course of the module.

The final recital may be performed as either two separate recitals of 40 minutes in length, or the student may decide to use both instruments or voice in a 2 x 40 minute recital format, which will be programmed consecutively and run as a standard professional length concert (with an interval between each half).

The formally- written programme notes (with Bibliography) accompanying your final recital will aid a potential audience and examiners in appreciating your performance and in understanding your choice of repertoire, and will provide a narrative of your development over the year under an appropriately formulated plan of study; these notes may document your working processes in tuition, practice and outside research, and include examples of how your regular participation in student performances and workshops and your active engagement with professional concerts may have impacted on these working processes.

Your tutor's report will be available to the assessment panel for consultation at the time of your end-of-year recital.

General Notes

Music Technicians/ Technical Staff (Fred Hollingworth, Rob Blazey ) required for weekly student performances