Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

This module is open to W300, W304 and W301 students who have a background in Folk playing. A short audition with Module Leader is required before joining this module.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

Building on MUS1092, a series of weekly three hour small group (Max 4 students) tutor-led workshops will challenge and support students in the development of ensemble skills, and the application and further development of arranging skills learnt in Stage 1 Music Theory Modules. Students will be given listening assignments in preparation for specific workshops, and the ensembles will work with both prescribed digital collections and self-selected repertoire. Ensemble groups meet for a further two hours per week for unsupervised rehearsal in order to further develop arrangements. As part of the learning and self-assessment process ensembles will further develop their vocal group skills in the area of vocal arrangement. Ensemble groups will give at least one short informal presentation to fellow students and friends per semester.

The aims of the module are:

• To enhance skills in ensemble playing - listening, balancing sounds, blending voice and instruments, playing tightly together, giving each other musical space and complementing the sound of others
• To enhance arranging skills - building on the theoretical base gained in and compliment MUS2050 if taken.
• To develop further the ability to work productively in groups, negotiate outcomes and manage conflicts and tensions
• To learn how to make demo level audio recordings with workshops led by technical staff

Outline Of Syllabus

Compulsory module - please see module aims

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Students should acquire:
• A more developed understanding of how ensembles function
• A balanced instrumental and vocal repertoire suitable for ensemble performances, and work on creating a vocal arrangement.
• A developed understanding of the use of audio sound recording as a rehearsal and creative tool
• A practical understanding of group dynamics and effective strategies to produce positive outcomes from group situations.
• Make good demo audio recordings of min.four of the semester 2 ensemble pieces.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students should acquire more effective:
• listening skills
• abilities to play together in a performance environment mirroring current practice in the field
• communication and organisational skills and abilities to work productively in groups, negotiate outcomes and manage conflicts and tensions
• capacities to document the process of group arrangements in ways that maximise efficient use of rehearsal time
• arrangement and compositional skills and concepts learnt in previous modules and elsewhere
• abilities to use sound recording to capture ensemble arrangements.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In addition to weekly, 3 hour staff led sessions, and 2 hours of unsupervised ensemble work. Ensemble groups will also perform in regular ICMuS student concerts and/or alternative concert opportunities.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A summative interim recital of three sets in semester 1 will reward work done in ensemble groups during the early part of the academic year.

The summer 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.

An individual student’s contribution to their ensemble over the semester can inflect the mark for his or her recital.

The Vocal group arrangement submitted in semester 2 will evidence work done on collectively creating a vocal arrangement for the stage 2 group, and the student ensemble recordings will evidence recording workshops given by technical staff.

General Notes

n/a