Module MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance

Department: Music

MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance

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 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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-to-one tutorials to prepare for written and practical assessments and two 1-hour workshops on specific contemporary performance issues.
• Individual Lessons - 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)
• Portfolio - 20-minute non-public performance in solo and/or small ensemble in Easter Term. A recorded alternative is available if the situation necessitates this.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

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