Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2012-2013 (archived)

Module MUSI2711: Performance 2: Practice as Research

Department: Music

MUSI2711: Performance 2: Practice as Research

Type Open Level 2 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2012/13 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • (MUSI1221 Aural Skills and Performance) OR (MUSI1xx1 Performance 1: Listening and Performing)

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To develop constructive ways to think about performance as a subject where scholarship, critical understanding and practical skills combine, leading to 1) the understanding of core issues in musical performance and 2) the production of a performance that demonstrates such understanding. To introduce the idea of practice as research and develop a research-led approach to performance.

Content

  • Students will study key areas of performance as a specialist discipline, including: 1) performance practice (both historical and contemporary), 2) knowledge about editions and editing, for scholarship and practical use, 3) repertoire search, and 4) issues concerning planning, practice, execution and assessment of practical performance in solo and small-groups. These will feed into the formative and summative work.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students gain practical and critical understanding of the context in which music is performed.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • 1) the ability to think and express ideas in performance, and 2) confidence in carrying out performance in front of people. [The second point will not be met with early exit point.]
Key Skills:
  • 1) The ability to assess performance critically and to execute ideas appropriately in performance, and 2) The ability to work with other musicians using aural and performing skills, demonstrating and evaluating individual and group skills. 3) Presentation skills.

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

  • The learning and teaching will be delivered in weekly lectures, workshops with students, individual tutorials, supported by individual instrument tuition

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures/workshops 22 Weekly terms 1, 2 and 3 2 hours 44
Individual tutorials 6 2 in each term 15 mins each 1.5
Lessons 11 Fortnightly 1 hour 11
Preparation and Reading 143.5
TOTAL 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
2,500 word essay on issues in performance practice 2,500 words 100%
Component: Practical Performance Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
A performance of 20 minutes. Accompanists will be arranged by the module leader. 20 minutes 100%

Formative Assessment:

Workshop performances and written/recording assignments including repertoire search. Feedback will be given in individual tutorials.


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