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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Ana­lys­is I

  • Year of study: Year 1, over two semesters.
  • Final assessment: Assessment from the course instructor.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Music Theory Programme.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian or English.

Course description

The course covers analysis in a broad sense as a music theory methodology within different musical genres, in contemporary music and in various historical and aesthetic contexts. The aural and interpretative aspects of analysis are central to the course. The students’
respective specialisations will be taken into account when preparing the contents of the course.

The course is taught as a joint weekly seminar for students in their first and second years (respectively TEAN70 Analysis I and TEAN71 Analysis II) and brings together all the students on the master’s programme in music theory.

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the student is expected to

  • Demonstrate an insight into the correlation between analysis and interpretation
  • Be able to apply analytical strategies in relation to music performance
  • Be able to reflect on the aesthetic aspects of musical analysis
  • Be able to relate analytical methods to history and aesthetics
  • Possess knowledge of analytical literature, both historical and contemporary
  • Be able to communicate analytical knowledge to performers and the public at large, both verbally and in writing

Overview

The course addresses various analytical methods and traditions such as aural analysis, rhetorical analysis, Schenkerian analysis, “neue Formenlehre”, analytical methods for folk music and jazz as well as various methods for analysing harmony.

Structure

The course is structured as themed modules with lectures, student presentations, literature study and practical analysis. One-off seminars are also held. In addition to the modules there is normally also a core reading list of 250–500 pages per semester. The reading list will be made available at the start of the semester. The students will also be working independently
on analytical and reflective assignments.

The modules are offered in both TEAN70 Analysis I and TEAN71 Analysis II. An annual schedule for the course will be issued at the start of the semester.

The student is automatically registered for tuition/supervision and assessment in the subject in line with the progression set out in the study plan.

Course requirements

1. Attendance

Attendance is mandatory for this course. This means that more than 20% nonattendance will normally cause the student to fail the course.

2. Analytical assignments

The students will be set 3–4 analytical assignments on given topics during the course. At least one of them should be submitted in writing, and at least two should be oral presentations. The assignments may relate to the reading list for the course.

  • Length of written assignments: approx. 1,200 words
  • Duration of oral presentations: approx. 20 minutes

Deadlines for submission/presentation are normally set by the course coordinator. The deadline is usually 14 days after the assignment is set.

3. Reflective notes

The student should write two reflective notes based on two different modules/lectures.

  • Length: approx. 800 words per note.
The topic and submission deadline (normally 14 days after the module/lecture has been completed) are to be agreed with the course co-ordinator

Final assessment

All course requirements must be met in order for the student to be given a final assessment.

The student will be judged on the basis of the learning objectives for the course. The assessment is expressed in the form of a pass/fail and is determined by the course coordinator on the basis of an overall evaluation of the learning outcomes achieved by the
student during the course.

Reassessment

The same rules apply to reassessments as to ordinary assessments.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Sep 7, 2022