Module MUSI2711: Performance 2: Practice as Research

Department: Music

MUSI2711: Performance 2: Practice as Research

Prerequisites

• MUSI1241 Performance 1: Practice Through History (with Recital) - at least a mark of 60 in the practical examination.

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To develop constructive ways to think about performance as a subject where scholarship, critical understanding and practical skills combine, leading to 1) the understanding of core issues in musical performance in different historical contexts and 2) the production of a performance that demonstrates such understanding. To introduce the idea of practice as research and develop a research-led approach to performance.

Content

• Students will study key areas of performance as a specialist discipline, including: 1) performance practice (both historical and contemporary), 2) knowledge about scores and editing, for scholarship and practical use, 3) repertoire search, 4) issues concerning planning, practice, execution and assessment of practical performance in solo and small-groups, and 5) methods for performance research. These will feed into the formative and summative work.

Learning Outcomes

• Students gain practical and critical understanding of the context in which music is performed and how to approach writing about it.

• 1) the ability to think and express ideas in written form and in performance, and 2) to gain confidence to perform in front of people.

• 1) The ability to assess performance critically and to execute ideas appropriately in performance, and 2) The ability to work with other musicians using aural and performing skills, demonstrating and evaluating individual and group skills. 3) The ability to apply scholarship to develop well-informed performance practice.

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

• Learning and teaching will be delivered in fortnightly lectures that will involve practical elements (e.g. individual and group tutorials, formative tasks), supported by individual instrument/vocal tuition
• Essay: Students will write reflective essay on a musician’s wellbeing topic (e.g. memorisation, practice techniques, performance anxiety, etc) chosen from a reading list provided.
• Lecture Recital: Students will do a short lecture recital on an aspect of performance practice chosen from the materials taught throughout the year and with the approval of the lecturer(s). The presentation will combine elements of live performance demonstrations along with presenting the research.
• Practical - Students will submit a repertoire list (20 min of music) of the pieces they will perform in the practical exam (during exam week). The repertoire list must be discussed and approved by the vocal/instrumental teacher.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

There will be formative assessments throughout the term. These can include workshops, short written exercises, or performances. Feedback is given during the performance seminars and individual tutorials.

■ 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.