This is an archived handbook for a previous year. The current undergraduate and postgraduate handbooks can be viewed using the links above.
Undergraduate Handbook 2021-2022 (archived)
Module MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance
Department: Music
MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance
| Type | Level | Credits | Availability | Module Cap | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tied | 3 | 20 | Available in 2021/2022 | None. | Durham |
Tied To
Pre-requisites
Corequisites
- None.
Excluded Combinations
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 terms 1 & 3. Eight tutorials divided over terms 1 and 3 term and a 1-hour workshop.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures/Seminars | 16 | 6/0/2 | 2 hours | 16 | |
| Workshops | 1 | 1/0/0 | 2 hour | 2 | |
| Tutorials | 8 | 6/0/2 | 30 minutes | 4 | |
| Individual lessons | 14* | Divided over terms 1, 2 and 3 (*if combined with MUSI3672 the total number of hours will be 27, if combined with MUSI3621 the total number will be 21) | 1 hour | 14 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 164 | ||||
| TOTAL | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component | Component Weighting | Element | Length/Duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 40% | 3,000 word essay to be submitted in the Easter Term | 3,000 words | 100% | No |
| Portfolio | 60% | 20-minute non-public performance in solo and/or small ensemble in Easter Term. If Covid-19 regulations prevent holding live performances this is to be replaced with a video recording of the programme. | 20 minutes | 100% | No |
Formative Assessment
One written assignment (essay of 1,000 words) in term 1.
Students who do not attend monitored activities shown under Teaching Methods
and Learning Hours, or who fail to complete the summative or formative
assessment(s) specified above, may be subject to the Academic Progress
procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be
required to leave the University.