Course description
The course is for students in the following concentrations in the Master of Music in Performance programme:
- Improvised music/Jazz
- Individual concentration
Students take this course in the two first semesters of the study programme, and it aims to support the Master's Project and to help to facilitate the transition into life as a professional musician. Key aspects of the course include the development of the students' artistic identity and the 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 the course, students are expected to
- show awareness of their artistic identity and be able to contextualise their own artistic work
- master a range of music practices, demonstrating presentation skills and knowledge
- be able to initiate, complete and direct artistic projects alone and with others
- be able to complete interdisciplinary projects
- show basic skills in using various media channels
- be critically aware of ethical issues related to their discipline, and have acquired professional work ethics
- be aware of economic conditions related to realising their artistic vision
Overview
The course consists of planning, implementing and evaluating projects on the student's own and under the leadership of others.
Projects
Students will plan, implement and evaluate projects. The projects should be completed artistic projects designed to prepare the student for completing their Master's project but should not overlap with it. Students will document their projects in a format agreed upon with their supervisor (concert, recording etc.). A written reflection paper on the specific processes of each project must be submitted.
Semester project requirements
Must be met when students have completed the courses Artistic Specialisation I - Project and Artistic Specialisation II - Project
- Minimum 1 project must be interdisciplinary (it can include elements from other art forms, such as dance, visual arts, film etc.)
- Minimum 1 project must be performed at a public venue (outside the institution)
- Minimum 1 reflection paper must be on perspectives from the music business or music in society.
Ensemble projects
All Improvised Music and Jazz students participate in ensemble projects.
Projects for students at the individual concentration
Projects will be organised for students at the individual concentration each study year. Examples of projects can be ensemble/band playing, working on recording projects, interdisciplinary projects or seminars on relevant topics. The programme coordinator will decide the contents of the projects in dialogue with the students and the academic staff.
Structure
Each student or ensemble will be assigned a supervisor at the beginning of their studies, usually from among the Academy's permanent teachers. The supervisor follows the ensemble/student throughout the entire course of study and provides advice and feedback regarding the planning, rehearsal and implementation of the various projects. The supervisor disposes of a determined tutoring resource. Students will also dispose of a project grant together with their supervisor. Projects are planned and implemented by students in agreement with their supervisor.
Ensembles
Project weeks for all improvised music and jazz students.
Students are responsible for their own progression and must make regular appointments with and submit materials to the teacher(s) (scores, recordings, project description, etc.) so that they maintain their progression as agreed.
Within the parameters established by the Academy, the student or students are responsible in practical as well as financial terms for all aspects associated with the project and concert organisation, the implementation of the project, and audio and video recordings.
For an overview of recommended amounts of instruction and organisation, please see Organisation under the description of the individual study programme.
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. Mandatory attendance in one ensemble project
This course requirement applies only to the students in the concentration Improvised music/Jazz.
1. Mandatory attendance in one project for students on the individual concentration
For students on the individual concentration, the course requirement in the first bullet point will be replaced by this bullet point.
2. Process portfolio
Students will assemble a portfolio including:
- A plan for each project is to be approved by the supervisor prior to starting the project. The plan should describe the practical planning and implementation of the project.
- Documentation in a suited format, documenting completed projects (approx. 90-120 minutes), and a log/reflection paper on each project (approx. 1200 words per project) must be submitted for approval to the supervisor before a deadline set by the supervisor.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be met in order for the student to be given a final assessment.
Assessment is based on the learning objectives. The final assessment will be given as a pass/fail mark, which will be determined by the supervisor based on each student's level of achievement throughout the course period.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.