- Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over 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/English.
Course description
This course is for students in the Master’s Degree Programme in Music Performance – Performance with Thesis.
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, it is expected that the students will:
- Have acquired a comprehensive, balanced repertoire.
- 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 in an independent, targeted and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges.
- 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. 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 cooperation with the principal instrument teacher(s) and accompanist/fellow musicians. The repertoire may normally not be included as part of the course Master’s Project.
Most of the course is comprised of the student’s work with:
- Rehearsing and interpreting repertoire that normally is new for the student (duration: 120 minutes).
- Developing, preparing and implementing public performances (duration: 90 minutes).
- 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 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 120 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 1 interpretation seminar during the course.
4. Compulsory participation in orchestra/chamber choir project
Students whose principal instrument is an orchestral instrument are required to participate in 1 orchestral project each academic year, if necessary.
Students whose principal instrument is classical voice are required to participate in 2 chamber choir projects in the first academic year and one chamber choir project in the second academic year.
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.