- Course type: Concentration.
- Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over four semesters.
- Final assessment: Master project evaluation.
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Applied Music theory programme.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian.
Course description
The Master's Project is an independent project with a focus on one or several of the following music theory subjects:
- Auditive analysis
- Aural skills and musical perception
- Music history and musical thought
- Movement techniques and composition analysis
Emphasis is placed on music as a sounding auditory phenomenon, and the student should take a practical approach to music-theoretical reflection.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the course, students demonstrate
- ability to utilise analytical techniques and relevant methods in order to execute an independent research project
- advanced skills and specialised insight into the chosen concentration
- ability to analyse and critically assess artistic development and research material and relate this to their Master's work
- show insight into and critically assess research ethical norms and issues
- ability to contribute to the development and innovation in the subject area(s) of music theory
Overview
In the Master's Project, the student develops and completes an independent written project within a chosen music theory concentration. The project concentration must be approved by a supervisor and the Academy (see Coursework requirements). The scope of the written work should be approximately 40 000 words, excluding bibliographical references and supporting documentation. In cases where other forms of relevant documentation make up a significant part of the project, the scope of the written component may differ. The project plan is developed in dialogue with the principal supervisor.
Structure
Each student is assigned a principal supervisor, or two co-supervisors, from among the members of the Academy's faculty. The supervisor(s) provide(s) individual advising and feedback regarding student goals, artistic choices and focus questions for the Master's Project.
It is the responsibility of each individual student to ensure their study progress. The student must take administrative charge of scheduling regular appointments with their supervisor(s), in addition to submitting required course material (written work, recordings, scores, project description etc.), in order to ensure the expected course progression.
Structure and recommended scope of instruction 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 programme plan.
Course requirements
Submission of Project Description and Supervision Agreement
Based on the Master's Project Proposal submitted with the programme application, the student will develop a final Project Description. The description should be four to six pages (approximately 2 000 words) and contain details of the following: subject; delimited focus area (which may also include research question(s)); project goals; a progress plan; preliminary bibliography/reading list.
The project description must be approved by the supervisor(s) and signed by both student and supervisor(s) before submission. The submission deadline is 1 November in the first semester of study. It is the student's responsibility to contact their supervisor(s) and to ensure approval.
Once the Project Description is approved and signed, a Supervision Agreement must be made (please contact us). The Supervision Agreement is a contract between the student, supervisor(s) and the Academy, which outlines the student's responsibilities and rights, as well as the duties and responsibilities of the supervisor.
Deadline: 1 December in the first semester of the programme is the deadline for submitting the final approved and signed Project Description and Supervision Agreement to the Exams Office (delivered at the 3rd floor Administration reception).
Any changes in Project Description during the progress of the study programme must be approved by the principal supervisor. If any such changes affect the progress plan, a new Supervision Agreement must be made and submitted.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be fulfilled and attested before the student is given a final assessment.
The student's course work is assessed in relation to the learning objectives. The Master's Project must demonstrate autonomy in development and completion. It will be assessed on the bases of the structure of the presentation, originality and conceptual scope, depth of analysis/engagement with the content, and understanding and critical evaluation of the subject studied.
The final assessment will be given as a letter grade. The final assessment will be carried out by two examiners. One examiner will be from an external institution. The student's supervisor(s) is not part of the Committee.
Deadline: 15 May in the fourth semester of study. The final Master's Project submission is submitted to the Exams Office by the deadline in six (6) copies, as well as electronically.
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures as for an ordinary assessment will be followed.