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MUSI2711: Performance 2: Practice as Research

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 20
Availability Available in 2023/24
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Music

Prerequisites

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

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations 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

Subject-specific Knowledge:

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

Subject-specific Skills:

  • 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.

Key Skills:

  • 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

  • The learning and teaching will be delivered in weekly lectures, workshops with the students, individual and group tutorials, supported by individual instrument/vocal tuition. In addition, there will be bi-weekly performance seminars in terms 1 and 2 on chamber music repertoire.
  • Students will write a paper on an issue of performance practice as discussed and approved by the module leader(s).
  • Students will write a book review on bibliography addressing practical elements of performance (e.g. memorisation, practice techniques, performance anxiety, etc).
  • 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

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures/workshops14During terms 1 and 21 hours14 
Performance seminars19Terms 1, 2 and 31 or 2 hours19 
Individual tutorials3Terms 1 and 215 mins 0.75 
Lessons11Fortnightly1 hour11 
Preparation and Reading155.25 
TOTAL200 

Summative Assessment

Component: EssayComponent Weighting: 35%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Essay on a performance practice issue of your choice to be approved by the module leader(s)2,000 words100Yes
Component: Book ReportComponent Weighting: 15%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
A Book Report Essay on a book from the list provided (please enquire if you would like to use a different book)1,000 words100Yes
Component: Practical PerformanceComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Practical Performance: 20 min. The module leader(s) will provide a list of accompanists during term 2 (usually pianists but please ask the module leader(s) for other arrangements). Repertoire list must be discussed, approved and signed by instrumental/vocal teacher. Failure to submit the signed repertoire list by the deadline will result on a 5% penalty on your performance practical exam mark. Small ensemble project: various opportunities during the year. Engagement on these activities will affect the final mark for the performance practical exam with the percentage ranging from excellent participation = 0% deduction to no participating = 5% deduction.20 minutes100Yes

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.

More information

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