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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Artist­ic Spe­cial­isa­tion I – Pre­par­ing for the Orches­tra

  • Year of study: Year 1, over two semesters.
  • Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructors and course coordinator
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music Performance Programme.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.

Course description

The course is an elective variation within the study programme that the students can choose as an alternative to the course Artistic specialisation I – Main instrument. This option is eligible for master students playing an orchestra or band instrument as their principal instrument. The course is organised over two semesters and will contribute to developing relevant skills in order to prepare for a position as an orchestra or band musician. There will be a focus on the development of creative, reflective and holistic musicianship.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student should demonstrate

  • knowledge of the social mandate, goals and structure of a professional orchestra/band
  • good skills through active participation, cooperation and communication within their own instrument group and as a participant of the entire ensemble
  • skills in adapting and developing their contribution to artistic projects
  • good skills in preparing and performing authentic audition situations

Overview

In the course the student will be rehearsing and performing relevant repertoire through solo works, chamber music and orchestra music as well as audition repertoire. Key aspects are the continuing development of the students artistic and instrumental skills and focus on the performative element. Emphasis is given to developing a musicianship that focus on the attentive listener as well as taking responsibility for the musical initiative when playing with fellow musicians. Topics relevant for the professional orchestra musician and the role and responsibilities of such musicians will also be covered in the course.

The repertoire is planned in collaboration with the teachers associated with the course/principal instrument teacher(s) and accompanist/fellow musicians and normally must consist of music from various eras and genres and cover solo and ensemble music. Normally, the repertoire for this course may not comprise any part of the courses Master's Project I or II.

Most of the course is comprised of the student's work with

  • rehearsing and interpreting repertoire entailing solo works, chamber music, orchestra music and relevant audition repertoire (duration: 50 minutes)
  • developing, preparing and take part in public performances (duration: 30 minutes).

Structure

The course is organised into three modules:

  • A. Orchestra/Band musician, a module of orientation and reflection
  • B. Ensemble playing and Chamber music
  • C. Audition training

A. Orchestra/band musician

Lectures and seminars about the social mandate, structure and up-to-date thoughts concerning artistic development in professional orchestras and bands operating in Oslo. Focus on critical reflection in relation to the competencies, artistic ambitions, roles, co-determination and co-responsibility relevant to the professional orchestra/band musician.

Structure: three seminar days (four hours each day) + home assignments during the autumn semester.

B. Ensemble playing and chamber music

The Orchestra musician in a practical setting – as a flexible, listening and initiating fellow musician. Ensembles of various ensemble sizes with students and main instrument teachers as part of the ensemble.

Structure: Three intensive projects over two days that end up in concerts.

C. Audition training

Seminars with main instrument teachers, orchestra/band musicians and accompanists. The module will cover mental training, video recording, excerpts from the relevant repertoire for orchestra/band, mandatory solo repertoire, ensemble rehearsals, how to act on stage and perform a mock audition.

Structure: four seminar days (four hours each day) and final assignment. Mock audition with feedback from a committee consisting of representatives from professional orchestras/bands in Lindemansalen concert venue at NMH.

Course requirements

  • The student must pass all three modules to receive a final assessment in the course.
  • Active participation is mandatory in the modules Orchestra/Band musician and Audition training. More than 20 % absence in any of these modules will normally cause the student to fail the subject.
  • The student must complete at least two of three project weeks in the module Ensemble playing and Chamber music.
  • The student must submit two assignments on reflection in the module The Orchestra /band musician, and each assignment must be in the scope of 700–800 words.
  • The student must have completed all the submissions within the due given by the course instructor on the learning platform Canvas.

Final assessment

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

The final assessment will be given as a «passed»/«failed» mark, which is determined by the course instructor and a team of teachers based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.

Re-assessment

In the case of re-assessment, the student must pass the missing modules before the student is given a final assessment.

Study component

Published: Sep 17, 2021 — Last updated: Mar 14, 2024