Module Catalogue 2024/25

MUS3093 : Folk Ensemble 3

MUS3093 : Folk Ensemble 3

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Ms Catriona Macdonald
  • Lecturer: Ms Nancy Kerr Elliott
  • 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

Code Title
MUS2092Folk Ensemble 2
Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Building on the work done in MUS1092 and MUS2092. Students taking this module will extend their experience in arranging and composing for a small self-selected ensemble and will further develop their performance skills. The ensemble groups will be required to organise and present at least one public performance each semester.

The aims of the module are:
- To enhance skills in ensemble playing - listening, balancing sounds, blending voice and instruments, playing tightly together, and complementing the sound of others
- To enhance arranging skills - building on the theoretical base gained from Stage 1 and 2 Music Theory and Composition modules
- To develop further the ability to work productively in groups, negotiate outcomes and manage conflicts and tensions
- To use sound recording in the process of ensemble development in an advanced way
- To create and sustain varied and high quality ensemble performances

Outline Of Syllabus

To embark on this module, students will have to form themselves into a self-selected ensemble and sign a learning contract to the effect that they undertake to fulfil all the module requirements. The ensembles will then address the learning outcomes of the module and produce work of a quality suitable for various public performances.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students should acquire:
- A more advanced understanding of how ensembles function.
- A more developed balanced instrumental and vocal repertoire suitable for ensemble work.
- A more developed understanding of the use of sound recording as a rehearsal and creative tool and reflecting current ensemble practices in the field.
- A more advanced practical understanding of group dynamics and effective strategies to produce positive outcomes from group situations.
- To underpin their practical work by completing the written and recording tasks throughout the year.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students should acquire:
- Skills in ensemble playing, including listening, balancing sounds, blending voice and instruments, playing tightly together, complementing the sound of others.
- Effective communication and organisational skills.
- Skills in making recordings
- The capacity to document the process of group arrangements in ways that maximise efficient use of rehearsal time.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesPractical222:0044:00PIP. Student-led ensemble rehearsal.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching13:003:00PIP. Collaborative performance presentation.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching223:0066:00PIP. Tutor-led Ensembles workshops.
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching42:008:00Recording related workshops/tutorials.
Guided Independent StudySkills practice179:0079:00Individual practise and rehearsal
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Group work provides a focused basis for the development of performance arrangement and compositional skill within ensemble playing. The core of learning for this module lies in your communication skills, private and group research, which involves practising, listening, reading and researching as appropriate and will continue until your assessed recital.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

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

Exams
Description Length Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Performance402A70A public performance lasting 40 minutes.
Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Portfolio2A30Submission of two multi track recordings made during the year, with accompanying written tasks.
Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Description Semester When Set Comment
Performance1M20-minute public recital
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The recital will require students to apply knowledge gained from the module’s key themes through independent research and through the development of ensemble, arrangement and interpersonal skills.
A diary documenting the rehearsal process and evolution of arrangements should be kept as evidence that the student has engaged with the material of the module both during class and during private study time. A satisfactory level of engagement must be demonstrated to gain the mark awarded for the recital.
The individual student’s contribution to the ensemble over the year can inflect the mark for their recital.
Canvas submission of two multi-track recordings made during the year, variously foregrounding the development the use of sound recording as an aid to creative ensemble development and documentation of the arrangements in diary will allow insight into the quality of the working methods of the ensemble.
The ensemble will also be set four additional written tasks, to be submitted at end of semester 2.

The formative Interim recital will give students the opportunity to perform in public and gain some formative written feedback at the mid point of the academic year.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

N/A

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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.