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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

Instru­ment II

Course description

The course covers skills that the student must master in order to become a professional instrumentalist

The course is based on Instrument I.

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the student is expected to

  • demonstrate stylistic confidence and creativity when performing solo and in ensembles
  • be able to perform music in different settings and present the music verbally
  • have acquired a broad repertoire from different styles and traditions
  • be able to work conscientiously and independently, alone and together with others
  • be familiar with and reflective around professional ethics

Overview

The works should be carefully chosen to enable the student to build a repertoire that is as broad as possible based on their technical skill and interests. Much of the course will be spent learning new repertoire and maintaining and developing existing repertoire. Norwegian, Nordic and contemporary music should all be represented. Some of the repertoire studied on the Chamber Music course and other performance-based courses could form part of the combined principal instrument repertoire for the final exam. The student is expected to develop independence and evaluation skills when interpreting repertoire.

Most of the course is dedicated to:

Instrument

  • Learning repertoire.
  • Technical exercises.
  • Interpretation and presentation.
  • Practice methods, study techniques.
  • Studying audio materials / recordings and literature. The student should choose the materials themselves under the guidance of their teacher.

Rehearsal and accompaniment

  • Learning repertoire and rehearsing with an accompanist.
  • Guidance on repertoire, including challenges relating to interpretation, ensemble play and the musical aspects of the work.

Forum and interpretation

  • Historically informed performance, instrument and repertoire studies.
  • Training in assessing and commenting verbally on own performances and those of others.
  • Training in audience communication, both musical and verbal.
  • Knowledge of what makes a good performance.
  • Ensemble performance / sectionals.
  • Audition training.

Orchestra (for students specialising in orchestral/band conducting)

  • Learning and performing orchestra / chamber orchestra repertoire in the most common musical styles for orchestra / chamber orchestra and other large ensembles from the 17th century up to the modern day.

Chamber choir (for students specialising in choral conducting)

  • Learning and performing varied repertoire to include music from different periods and genres. Over a three-year period the repertoire should include at least one project with an orchestra/ensemble (NMH or external ensemble), one a cappella project, one contemporary project, one church music project usually with an ensemble (may also be a cappella or contemporary) and one opera project with ensemble.

Over the course of the academic year the NMH also organises various optional courses / specialist seminars on topics such as musicians’ health, performance preparation, freelancing, industry knowledge etc.

Structure

A variety of working methods and set-ups will be used. Key are the student’s independent practice and study of materials (recordings, literature etc.) linked to the practice process. A number of concert and performance opportunities will be provided.

Instrument

  • Weekly one-to-one lessons and classes with instrument teacher.

Rehearsal and accompaniment

  • Individual sessions with an accompanist.
  • Performing repertoire with an accompanist in principal instrument lessons, in forum and interpretation, classes, concerts and exams.

Forum and interpretation

  • Weekly lessons and/or projects/workshops in instrument-based groups such as strings, woodwind, brass etc.

Orchestra (for students specialising in orchestral/band conducting)

  • Project weeks culminating in a concert / concerts.
  • At the start of each academic year a schedule will be issued detailing repertoire, seminars and rehearsal times, concerts, sectional coaches and conductors.
  • A final rehearsal schedule and orchestra lists detailing each student’s participation will be published no later than three weeks before the project begins.

Chamber choir (for students specialising in choral conducting)

  • Project weeks, normally three choir projects per academic year with normally one to two concerts per project.
  • At the start of each academic year a schedule will be issued detailing repertoire, seminars and rehearsal times, concerts, coaches and conductors.
  • A final rehearsal schedule and choir list detailing each student’s participation will be published no later than three weeks before the project begins.

For details of expected progressionand indicative workload, please see the “Structure” section of the relevant programme of study.

Students are automatically enrolled for the course and exam in accordance with the progression described in the individual education plan.

Course requirements

1. Mandatory participation in forum and interpretation

  • Active participation is expected.
  • An attendance sheet will be kept by the co-ordinator / course tutor.

2. Mandatory participation in orchestra / chamber choir

  • Students specialising in orchestral/band conducting: mandatory and active participation in orchestra project in accordance with orchestra lists, rehearsal schedules and the orchestra committee’s prevailing guidelines.
  • Students specialising in choral conducting: mandatory and active participation in two chamber choir projects per academic year.
  • An attendance sheet will be kept by the co-ordinator / course tutor.

3. Submit instrument report signed by instrument teacher, to include

  • Exam programme of 30 minutes’ duration (maximum 35 minutes).
  • Summary of repertoire studied (minimum 120 minutes, including the repertoire from the first module).
  • Summary of performances (minimum one performance per academic year).
  • Summary of audio materials / recordings and literature studied.

Deadline: The report should be digitally submitted to the examinations office by 15 November in the third semester of the course to eksamen@nmh.no

Final assessment

All course requirements must be met before the student can be given a final assessment.

The assessment is based on the learning objectives for the course. The final assessment is graded and is determined on the basis of a final recital at the end of the third semester of the course. The assessment is carried out by at least two internal examiners, one of whom usually being the student’s instrument teacher. The examination committee should make a verbal statement on the student’s final recital.

Final recital

The recital is held on the academy’s premises. The student and their instrument teacher should decide on the exam programme. In the event of a disagreement over the programme, the instrument teacher has the final say

Duration: Approx. 30 minutes of performance time (maximum 35 minutes).

In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Feb 19, 2024