Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2026-2027
Module MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance
Department: Music
MUSI3611: Contemporary Music Performance
| Type | Tied | Level | 3 | Credits | 20 | Availability | Available in 2026/2027 | Module Cap | None. | Location | Durham |
|---|
| Tied to | LA01 |
|---|---|
| Tied to | LA02 |
| Tied to | LA03 |
| Tied to | LMV0 |
| Tied to | LMVA |
| Tied to | LMVP |
| Tied to | W300 |
| Tied to | W302 |
| Tied to | W303 |
| Tied to | WV53 |
| Tied to | W3V5 |
| Tied to | W3V6 |
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
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.
- The students will further develop curiosity, collaboration and resourcefulness in working on developing new insights in performance practice, both as soloist and chamber music player.
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 seminars on contemporary performance practice, alternating with practical performance workshops. Additional material through regular individual instrumental or vocal lessons. Students will be entitled to 14 hours of instrumental/vocal tuition 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.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
| Activity | Number | Frequency | Duration | Total/Hours | Attendance Monitored |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminars | 10 | 5 in term 1 and 5 in term 2 | 2 hours | 20 | Yes ■ |
| Practicals | 14 | Divided over terms 1, 2 and 3 | 1 hour (Not centrally timetabled) | 14 | |
| Preparation and Reading | 166 | ||||
| Total | 200 |
Summative Assessment
| Component: Essay | Component Weighting: 40% | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Essay | 3,000 words (essay to be submitted in the Easter Term) | 100% | |
| Component: Portfolio | Component Weighting: 60% | ||
| Element | Length / duration | Element Weighting | Resit Opportunity |
| Practical | 20 minute non-public performance in solo and/or small ensemble in the examination period. | 100% | |
Formative Assessment:
One written assignment (essay of 1,000 words) in term 2.
■ 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.