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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Rep­er­toire and Inter­pret­a­tion

  • Year of study: Year 1, two semesters (autumn, spring).
  • Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructor.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the Graduate Performance Diploma Programme.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.

Course description

This course is for students in the 1-year Graduate Performance Diploma programme.

The course takes place over the first two semesters, facilitating the student’s development as a performer and the acquisition of a comprehensive repertoire, to enable the student to work as a professional music practitioner at a high level. Key aspects of the course include the development of the students’ ability to artistic self-expression as well as refinement of their technical skills and skills in musical presentation and communication.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student is expected to:

  • have acquired an extensive and varied repertoire
  • show artistic expression and demonstrate advanced instrument techniques
  • master a range of music practices, demonstrating presentation skills and knowledge
  • be able to work in an independent, purposeful and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges
  • be able to complete artistic projects alone and with others
  • be critically aware of ethical issues related to their discipline, and obtain professional work ethics

Overview

The course covers the rehearsal and performance of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. The individual student’s/group’s area of interest and personal musical preferences will be highlighted but will at the same time be challenged. The course will focus on the development of the students’ artistic and technical skills on their principal instrument and their ability to convey musical expression. The repertoire is planned in collaboration with the principal instrument teacher(s) and accompanist/fellow musicians, and must normally consist of music spanning several styles and centuries.

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

  • Rehearsing and interpreting a new and extensive repertoire (containing several of the most substantial and demanding works for the instrument/ensemble) that allows the student to demonstrate a variety of artistic expressions (duration: 135 minutes).
  • Developing, preparing and implementing public performances (duration: 90 minutes).
  • Relevant literature, including material from artistic development work and research).
  • Class instruction and interpretation sessions
  • 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 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 have 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 90 minutes. If so desired, the repertoire may be divided into several performances. Minimum 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 135 minutes of learned repertoire. The report must list public performances of no less than 90 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 one interpretation seminar during the course.

4. Mandatory participation in an orchestra/chamber choir project

Students whose principal instrument is an orchestral instrument are required to participate in one orchestral project each academic year, if necessary.

Students whose principal instrument is classical voice are required to participate in two chamber choir project, if necessary.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a 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