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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Rep­er­toire and Inter­pret­a­tion

  • Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over three semesters (autumn-spring-autumn).
  • Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructor.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the Artist Diploma - Master of Music Performance Degree Programme.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.

Course description

This course is for students in the Artist Diploma - Master of Music Performance Degree Programme – Solo Instrumentalist or Chamber Music Ensemble.

The course takes place over the first three semesters, and facilitates the student’s development as a performer and acquisition of a comprehensive repertoire, to enable the student to work as a professional music practitioner at a high international level. Key aspects of the course include development of the students’ ability to express themselves artistically as well as refinement of their technical skills and skills in musical presentation and communication.

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the student is expected to

  • have acquired a comprehensive, balanced repertoire.
  • show the ability to convey artistic expression and demonstrate advanced technical skills on their principal instrument.
  • excel at conveying various forms of expression and be perceived as a knowledgeable musician.
  • be able to work in an independent, targeted and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges.
  • be able to implement artistic projects alone and with others.
  • show insight into and critically assess ethical norms and issues of a musical and professional nature.

Overview

The course covers the rehearsal and performance of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. The individual student’s area of interest and personal musical preferences will be highlighted and will at the same time be challenged. The course will focus on development of the students’ artistic and technical skills on their principal instrument and their ability to convey musical expression. The repertoire is planned in dialogue with the principal instrument teacher(s) and accompanist/fellow musicians, and must normally consist of music from various eras and genres. The repertoire may normally not be included as part of the course Artist Diploma Project.

Most of the course is comprised of the student’s work with

  • Rehearsing and interpreting a new and extensive repertoire that allows the student to demonstrate a variety of artistic expressions. The repertoire should contain several of the most substantial and demanding works for the instrument/ensemble. Duration: 180 minutes.
  • Developing, preparing and implementing public performances. Duration: 120 minutes.
  • Relevant literature, like material from artistic development work and research.
  • Class tuition and interpretation classes.
  • Interpretation seminars.

Structure

The course is organised as an individual, weekly instruction on the student’s principal instrument, as well as accompaniment where this applies. Students are also expected to participate in classes and interpretation seminars arranged by various instrument groups or departments. Interpretation seminars for all Master of Performance and Diploma students will be arranged as well. Instruction is provided by several teachers.

Structure and recommended scope of instruction and expected progression are further outlined (under Organisation) in the programme curriculum.

Students are registered automatically for instruction/supervision and assessment in the course in accordance with the study progress requirements set out in the individual education plan.

Course requirements

1. Public performance

Students will perform a repertoire with a playing time of at least 120 minutes. If so desired, the repertoire may be divided into several performances. No less than half of the repertoire must be performed on venues outside the Academy.

Performances must be documented (audio or video) if the principal instrument teacher is not able to attend the performance. Students choose the form and format of the documentation. The student is also responsible for organising the practical aspects of the performance(s) as well as for the recording, promotion costs (posters, programmes, etc.), production and other costs.

2. Repertoire report

Students will submit a repertoire report over at least 180 minutes learned repertoire. The report must list public performances of no less than 120 minutes. The report must be signed by the student and principal instrument teacher.

Deadline: Performances must be finished, and the report submitted to the Exams Office, no later than 1 December in the third semester of studies.

3. Interpretation seminar

Students must participate in a minimum of 1 interpretation seminar during the course.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining final assessment.

Assessment is based on learning objectives. The final assessment is given as a pass/fail mark, which is determined by the course instructor based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.

New assessment

In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Mar 4, 2021