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