Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2014-2015 (archived)

Module MUSI3661: Arts Management (Music)

Department: Music

MUSI3661: Arts Management (Music)

Type Open Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2014/15 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • A-Level Music or equivalent.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide a critical understanding of the theory and practice of arts management, with specific reference to the role of the arts administrator in the music industry

Content

  • Students will study the following key areas of arts management: 1) The financial and managerial skills required of an arts administrator in servicing the needs of performing arts organizations specializing in music-based or music-related activities. 2) The application of these skills in situations that require the exercise of critical and practical judgement in the planning, production, and assessment of arts events. 3) An understanding of the regulatory framework that applies to performing arts activities, and its implications in legal and practical terms for arts promoters, performing artists, and music production companies. 4) The role of external stakeholders such as the Arts Council, local authorities, and business sponsors in the promotion of the arts.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will acquire both a practical and a critical understanding of the following key areas of arts management relating to music: i) Financial planning and appraisal ii) Publicity and Marketing iii) The artistic planning and staging of venue-based events iv) The key features of managing music production companies v) The role of funding agencies and external stakeholders vi) The acquisition of music-specific administrative skills and associated critical insight that will provide a foundation for further training in arts management with a view to a career in this area.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will be able to demonstrate a research-informed awareness of the principles and practice of arts management, including an ability to engage critically and authoritatively with the practicalities of planning and executing artistic activities within the music industry, taking into account the relevant artistic, practical, legal, and financial consideration.
Key Skills:
  • Students will be able to demonstrate a critical awareness of the skills required in effective communication, teamwork, negotiation, organisation, and decision-making.

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

  • The seminars provide the primary means of delivering, discussing, and evaluating the key concepts that inform the theory and practice of arts management. The tutorials provide an opportunity for interactive feedback on formative work and the further discussion of context-specific issues. The fieldwork allows students directly to engage with the promotion and evaluation of arts events is a critical and suitably reflective manner.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Seminars 9 Weekly term 2 2 hours 18
Tutorials 3 Two in term 2. One in term 3 1 hour 3
Fieldwork 2 Term 2 3 hours 6
Preparation and Reading 173
TOTAL 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Critical Assessment Component Weighting: 30%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Critical Assessment of 2,000 words 2,000 words 100% No
Component: Arts Management Project Component Weighting: 70%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Arts Management Project 4,000 words 100% No

Formative Assessment:

Two written mini projects, covering the principles of critical appraisal and evaluation, the second the principles of financial management.


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