Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

MUS2045 or equivalent

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

1.       To build on existing practical experience of Indian Classical music for students who have already had at least one year’s study in this area (e.g. through MUS2045);
2.       To offer students the opportunity to continue learning in the Indian guru-śiṣyā paramparā (guru-disciple tradition);
3.       To foster academic knowledge informing this practice.
4.       To provide complementary skills and knowledge valuable to students in their future professional careers, e.g. as creative practitioners, teachers, composers;
5.       To encourage cultural understanding though practical encounter, and thus …
6.       To provide a practical complement to modules involving the study of ethnomusicology and world music;
7.       To further cultivate technical, cultural and historical knowledge relevant to this practice.

This module is aimed at students who wish to continue learning Indian music – on vocal or tabla (or possibly instrumental study), having already had at least one year’s experience of learning. The learning approaches follow a similar pattern to MUS2045, and place the experience of the guru-śiṣyā paramparā (guru-disciple tradition) at its heart. Additionally, you undertake complementary academic study that informs your practical learning; because this is a final stage module (level 6), it involves an element of research.

As a student on the module you’ll help build a community of practitioners, and, related to this, you’ll get to organise and participate in group riyāz (practise) sessions, baithaks (informal gatherings to share music), and workshops; and attend relevant performances in the University, in the region or online.

Assessment will be based on a two main components:

(i) A final performance. The mark will also be informed by your tutors’ evaluation of your progress on the course and the quality of your riyāz (practising).
(ii) A research assignment.

Outline Of Syllabus

The core of your activities comprises:

•       A series of regular lessons (e.g. vocal or tabla) in small groups.

•       Regular daily individual practice (riyāz).

•       A series of seminars / workshops providing cultural and practice-related theoretical knowledge; these also give you space to share your reflections on your learning experience.

•       A series of online learning packs, designed to help you acquire supporting skills and knowledge in your own time.

Surgery times will also be scheduled for tutorial support with the academic components of the module.
Assessment will be based on a mixture of elements: a final performance; your tutors’ evaluation of your progress on the course and the quality of your practising; and a research assignment.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Theoretical / historical / cultural knowledge of Indian Classical music extending beyond that required for MUS2045 Indian Music in Practice.

Knowledge of further rāgs, tāls and techniques.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to sustain a more extended and developed performance than MUS2045: greater ability to improvise, ornament and develop material: greater technical control and interpretative maturity.

•       Ability to define and implement a short research project.
•       A more developed level of practical and musical skills
•       Experience of working with others
•       Self-management
•       Working in an online environment
•       Ability to reflect productively on practical experiences and cultural and musical encounters

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Small group teaching (vocal / tabla lessons) provide the core of students’ learning. Seminars / workshops provide fora in which students acquire further factual and contextual information and exchange ideas, as well as gaining experiential knowledge of the performing tradition and its cultural contexts. Online learning materials guide students in acquisition of core knowledge and skills, which inform their practice.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Performance & tutor’s report evaluate your basic practical development, absorption in practice of key concepts etc., and overall level of progress and application in tour core practical study.

Research project evaluates your ability to conduct individual research into a topic informing your practice.

General Notes

n/a