Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance

Department: Music

MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance

Type Tied Level 3 Credits 20 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to W302
Tied to W300
Tied to LA01
Tied to LA02
Tied to LA03

Prerequisites

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

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:
  • The ability to communicate
  • The ability to think through sound and articulate ideas in performance
  • The ability to work towards a single event and deliver it at the appropriate time

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

  • Core material via lectures on contemporary performance practice, alternating with practical performance seminars. One on one tutorials to prepare for written and practical assessments and two 1-hour workshops on specific contemporary performance issues.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 8 4/4/0 1 hour 8
Seminars 5 2/3/0 1 hour 5
Workshops 2 One in term 1 and one in term 2 1 hour 2
Tutorials 4 2/2/0 15 minutes 1
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 170
TOTAL 200

Summative Assessment

Component: Essay Component Weighting: 40%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
3,000 word essay to be submitted in the Easter Term 3,000 words 100% No
Component: Portfolio Component Weighting: 60%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
20-minute non-public performance in solo and/or small ensemble in Easter Term. A recorded alternative is available if the situation necessitates this. 20 minutes 100% No

Formative Assessment:

One written assignment (essay of 1,000 words) in term 1.


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