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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Rep­er­toire and Inter­pret­a­tion

  • Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over the first three semesters (autumn, spring, autumn).
  • Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructor.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Performance Degree Programme.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.

Course description

This course is for students in the Master of Music Performance Degree Programme – Accompaniment and Chamber Music for Classical Pianists.

The course takes place over the first three semesters, and facilitates the student’s development as a performer and acquisition of a comprehensive repertoire, thus enabling the student to work as a professional music practitioner at a high level. Key aspects of the course include the development of the student’s abilities of artistic self-expression as well as refinement of her or his musical presentation, communication, and technical skills.

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the students are expected to:

  • have acquired a comprehensive, balanced repertoire.
  • exhibit good skills in playing with others and communication.
  • show the ability to convey artistic expression and demonstrate advanced technical skills on their principal instrument.
  • excel at conveying various forms of musical presentation and be perceived as a knowledgeable musician.
  • be able to work with artistic challenges in an independent, targeted and thoughtful manner.
  • be able to implement artistic projects alone and with others.
  • show insight into and critically assess ethical norms and issues of a music-related and professional nature.

Overview

The course covers the rehearsal and performance of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. The individual student’s area of interest and personal musical preferences will be highlighted but will at the same time be challenged. Key aspects of the course include the development of the student’s abilities of artistic self-expression as well as refinement of her or his musical presentation, communication, and technical skills.

The repertoire is planned in cooperation with the principal instrument teacher(s) and must include an accompaniment, chamber music and solo repertoire. The repertoire may normally not be included as part of the course Master’s Project.

Most of the course is comprised of

  • Rehearsing and interpreting repertoire that normally is new for the student (duration: 140 minutes of an accompaniment and chamber music repertoire and 40 minutes of a solo repertoire).
  • Developing, preparing and implementing public performances (duration: 140 minutes).
  • Rehearsing and playing a prima vista.
  • Relevant literature (including material from artistic development work and research).
  • Class instruction and interpretation classes.
  • Interpretation seminars.

Structure

The course is organised as an individual, weekly instruction on the student’s principal instrument, as well and group instruction on rehearsing and playing a prima vista. 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 will be arranged as well. Instruction is provided by several teachers.

The students are responsible for organising the chamber music segment of the course, with instruction provided by the student’s principal instrument teacher(s) if necessary.

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 140 minutes. If so desired, the repertoire may be divided into several performances. No less than 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 180 minutes of learned repertoire. The report must list public performances of no less than 140 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 1 interpretation seminar during the course.

4. Compulsory participation in concerts

Participation in at least five of the Academy’s concerts in addition to the concerts included in the course.

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: Feb 1, 2024