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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Con­duct­ing

Course description

In this course the conducting students develop their professional skills and repertory knowledge in order to perform as conductor at an advanced level. The repertoire studied in this course should normally not overlap with the Master Project course repertoire.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student should demonstrate

  • ability to manage demanding artistic challenges in the realisation of her/his creative intentions
  • extensive repertory knowledge
  • have developed a holistic, rigorous and purposeful method of ensemble rehearsal
  • ability to initiate, manage, and execute diverse artistic projects
  • original and innovative solutions
  • extensive professional knowledge
  • insight and ability to critically assess research ethical norms and issues
  • ability to analyse and critically assess artistic development and research material, and relate this to her/his work

Overview

The course is normally comprised of the following main components:

A. Professional development

  • The conductor's role.
  • Technical skills.
  • Musical presentation and expression.
  • Introduction to phonetics.
  • Rehearsal methodologies.
  • Musical leadership and communication.
  • Development and management of artistic projects.
  • Professional arenas.
  • Ethical norms and considerations relevant to the field and profession of conductors.

B. Musical scores

  • Interpretation.
  • Musical score analyses.
  • Study and learning techniques.
  • Presentation practices.
  • Score accompaniment.
  • Instrument knowledge.

C. Practical aural skills

D. Practical training / Conducting Lab

  • Lab ensemble conducting.
  • Management and completion of various projects.

Structure

Instruction consists of weekly classroom lectures and focus seminars. In addition, conducting and rehearsals with lab ensembles is a central course component. Course materials will depend on the student's chosen concentration.

Structure and recommended scope of instruction 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 programme plan.

Achievement review meetings with the student and programme coordinator/instructors assess the student’s goals and progress in the course are followed up. For more information, please see the section under Organisation in the general part of the programme description.

Course requirements

Final report of fulfilled requirements

Each student must submit a final report containing the following details of her/his work in the course:

  • complete list of works/repertoire studied in the course
  • complete conducting and rehearsal schedule of student's work with the Conducting Lab Ensemble(s)
  • overview of concert participation
  • overview of seminar participation
  • overview of participation at additional course components (with confirmation from instructor)

Deadline: The final report must be submitted to the Exams Office no later than 15 April in the fourth semester of studies.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be fulfilled and approved before the student is given a final assessment.

Students are assessed in relation to the course objectives. The final assessment will be given as a ”passed”/”failed” mark, which will be determined on the basis of the submitted final report. The assessment will normally be carried out by at least one internal examiner, in addition to the student's principal conducting instructor.

In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures as for an ordinary assessment will be followed.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Feb 1, 2024