Module MUSI2581: CONDUCTING

Department: Music

MUSI2581: CONDUCTING

Prerequisites

• MUSI1241 Performance 1: Practice through History (with recital) OR MUSI1291 Performance 1: Practice through History (with essay)

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop fundamental technical skills in conducting.
• To develop allied skills pertaining to the study of scores, interpretation and the effective communication of musical ideas in rehearsal and performance.
• To acquire transferable skills that could be applied to various types of music teaching and group instruction in the world of music.

Content

• The practical aspects will focus on the development of hand and stick technique and control of appropriate gestures in order to communicate musical intentions to the performers, as well as effective rehearsal techniques. The theoretical aspects will aim to develop the intellectual, musical and conceptual skills required by conductors to realise musical works appropriately in performance.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will be introduced to the practical and theoretical aspects of conducting both in class work and also individual practice through which they will gain an understanding of the effect conducting has in performance.
• This basic training will facilitate further study of conducting and group leadership.

• These will include a range of skills and techniques associated with conducting, including basic hand co-ordination and stick technique and allied aural skills.

• The ability to communicate musical ideas through words and gestures.
• The ability to work with other musicians as a leader.
• The ability to work with initiative and drive.
• The ability to realise composers’ intentions in performance.
• The ability to work under the pressure of time constraints.

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

• Delivered via a mixture of lectures, tutorials and workshops, with some essay-based work.
• Students will conduct a variety of ensembles in workshops to gain practical experience. Detailed feedback will be provided during workshops and in group tutorials.
• Peer comment and open discussion in lectures and workshops will assist the acquisition of pertinent intellectual and practical skills.
• Group tutorials will provide opportunities for reflection upon theoretical and practical issues.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

1 essay (1,500 words) on specific issues, in the Michaelmas Term. Each student will have the opportunity of podium time during one of the workshops in the first or second term.

■ 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