Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance

Department: Music

MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance

Type	Tied	Level	3	Credits	20	Availability	Available in 2015/16	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Tied to	W300

Prerequisites

A-Level Music and ABRSM Grade 8 in an instrument or equivalent.

Corequisites

None

Excluded Combination of Modules

Aims

To develop an understanding and practice of performance in contemporary and new music, that reflect and respond to the development in creative composition; to increase historical and theoretical understanding about the relationship between composition and performance; to encourage creativity and critical independence as a performer.

Content

This module addresses a gap between two well-established disciplines of performance and composition. Students will study key features of contemporary and new music from the performance perspective. These include 1) the development of skills and strategies in reading varied notations, and 2) the understanding of theory and practice in topics associated with contemporary music, including extended techniques, new instruments and microtonality.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

Students gain practical and critical understanding of how music can be realised and performed. This may include a) understanding of interpretive exegeses, b) assessment of expressive potential in unfamiliar musical compositions, and c) understanding of the expressive potential and capabilities of musical instruments.

Subject-specific Skills:

Students will be 1) more informed about the practicalities of performing new music, and 2) able to approach compositions strategically to prepare for a performance.

Key Skills:

Students will be able to demonstrate a rounded approach and understanding to contemporary music

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

Core material via lectures and seminars across three terms. Three tutorials per term and in later terms, two 2-hour workshops.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity	Number	Frequency	Duration	Total/Hours
Lectures/Seminars	19	8/8/3	1 hour	19
Workshops	2	One in 2nd and 3rd terms	2 hours	4
Tutorials	9	Three in each term	30 minutes	4.5
Individual lessons	14	Divided over terms 1 and 2	1 hour	14
Preparation and Reading				158.5
TOTAL				200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
3,000 word essay to be submitted in the Epiphany Term	3,000 words	100%	No
Component: Portfolio		Component Weighting: 50%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
20-minute performance in solo or small ensemble in Easter Term	20 minutes	100%	No

Formative Assessment:

one written assignment in term 1, one seminar assignment in term 2.

■ 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