Module Catalogue 2024/25

MUS8017 : Practical Elective in Music (20 credits)

MUS8017 : Practical Elective in Music (20 credits)

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Dr Christopher Tarrant
  • Co-Module Leader: Ms Imogen Gunner, Dr William Edmondes, Dr Bennett Hogg, Dr Mariam Rezaei, Ms Catriona Macdonald, Dr Larry Zazzo, Ms Nancy Kerr Elliott, Professor David Clarke, Dr Rob Mackay
  • Owning School: Arts & Cultures
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 1 Credit Value: 10
Semester 2 Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module aims to provide a platform for Postgraduate students in SACS to choose a single specialist musical practice from practical projects across a range of different fields. This may include Indian Classical Music, Free Improvisation, Composing Folk Music, and others offered on a year-by-year basis. Students will be advised about which topics are running in any academic year during the registration period.

Outline Of Syllabus

Students will meet throughout the year for scheduled workshops with key creative practice staff and occasional visiting experts. Students will have chosen one specialist field of practical study during the registration period each academic year. Topics on offer may include Indian Classical Music (beginners or intermediate), Free Improvisation, Baroque Opera, Contemporary Opera, and Folk Composition or other specialist fields.

Syllabus includes scheduled workshop/seminars with key staff in the delivery of the particular specialist fields on offer in any academic year.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

A development of knowledge in the chosen specialist area.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The development of practical skills in one specialist field of musical practice.

The ability to work creatively within a specialist field of musical practice.

The ability to evidence knowledge and development in a specialist field of musical practice.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching101:0010:00N/A
Guided Independent StudySkills practice1401:00140:00N/A
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops101:0010:00N/A
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study401:0040:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The balance between contact and non-contact time may be slightly different for different musical practices. The teaching methods noted above are indicative of the minimum contact time. Specific differences where greater contact time is involved will be negotiated between the student and the project leader depending upon the specific requirements of the musical practice involved.

The module depends upon workshops and tutorials with specialist staff and substantial independent study and practice, which combine to provide a supportive and expert environment for practice research in music.

Guided Independent Study: to facilitate intended knowledge outcomes, improve creative skills substantially, and to develop both cognitive and key skills (e.g., technique, reflection, independent learning techniques, self-motivation, time-management) by providing a structured task for the student to complete independently.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Portfolio2A100Portfolio may include compositions, installations, performances, and video depending upon the musical practice involved.
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment will be made in line with the following guidelines:
- The quality of the creative practice vis-à-vis the expected standard at postgraduate research in music and amongst the professional community of practice in the particular genre(s) of music/sound art.
- The quality of the communication of the research process demonstrated in the performance and the written or multimedia presentation detailing the practice research process.
- The ability to present the narrative of creative practice will be assessed in the written or multimedia portfolio.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

Welcome to Newcastle University Module Catalogue

This is where you will be able to find all key information about modules on your programme of study. It will help you make an informed decision on the options available to you within your programme.

You may have some queries about the modules available to you. Your school office will be able to signpost you to someone who will support you with any queries.

Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.