Module MUSI2581: INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING

Department: MUSIC

MUSI2581: INTRODUCTION TO CONDUCTING

Prerequisites

• Performance Studies (MUSI1131).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To provide opportunities for students to develop their interest in conducting.
• To establish and develop skills and techniques in conducting ab initio.
• To increase awareness of associated skills such as analysing scores, interpretation and communication.
• To acquire and improve the practical skills required to execute the above objectives in rehearsal and performance.
• In addition, to acquire transferable skills that could be applied to various types of music teaching and group instruction.

Content

• The course will have two aspects - one practical and one theoretical.
• Practical: The development of stick technique, gestures, and body language with a clear understanding of the effect conducting has in performance.
• This will involve the following concepts: Rehearsal & performance technique (with use of video).
• Group leading & teaching.
• Motivation.
• Psychology.
• Preparation.
• Body language.
• Hand co-ordination (with regular exercises).
• Eye contact.
• Aural perception.
• Conducting in different styles.
• Communication and interaction with other musicians.
• Conducting practise.
• Theoretical: Acquiring an understanding of the many skills needed by a conductor and to develop those skills.
• These include the study of: Scores in a variety of styles.
• "Marking up" a score.
• Preparation for rehearsals & performances.
• The views and opinions of various conductors through books, video and interviews.
• Score study and analysis of arrangements and original works.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain an understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of conducting both in class work and also individual practice.
• Students will also gain a clear understanding of the effect conducting has in performance.
• This training will facilitate further study of conducting within the third year performance module and provide the skills necessary to exercise group leadership.

• These will include a range of associated skills and techniques associated with conducting from basic hand co-ordination and stick technique with emphasis on shapes and rhythmic patterns through note correction to interpretation.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Delivered via a mixture of seminars and tutorials.
• In seminars, students will work in structured groups, for example, choirs or instrumental ensembles, including percussion.
• Within these groups each student will take his or her turn to practise the art of conducting, with immediate and also reflective feedback from the tutor.
• This environment will also allow the student performers to contribute to the processes of development.
• Peer comment and open discussion is highly relevant to these processes of teaching, learning, and assessment.
• This immediate response develops key communication skills.
• Small group tutorials provide the opportunity for the deeper understanding and reflection of theoretical and practical issues.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Set exercises and conducting sessions (weekly), 4 essays (2,500 words) on specific issues, two in the Michaelmas Term, and two in the Epiphany Term.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University