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Norges musikkhøgskole Norwegian Academy of Music Search

In-depth study of Cham­ber Music

  • Year of study: Two semesters, fall and spring
  • Final assessment: Assessment from the course instructor
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian and English

Course description

The course is a combination between performance activities and active use of ear training and musical analysis. Established ensembles are encouraged to apply, but the course is also open for individual students to apply. They will be grouped into ensembles (quartet/trio) with high-quality repertoire. The course is open to students in the 2nd department of KAUTKL. A very limited number of students will be assigned to the course.

Course instructors: The instructors in the course are an interdisciplinary teaching team from the following areas: instrumental performance/composition/music theory/ear training

Course coordinator: Strings and Harp Department, Composition, Music Theory and Music Technology Department

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course students are expected to

  • be able to work with chamber music in an independent and reflected manner
  • use active listening and music-theoretical perspectives in the musical rehearsal process

Overview

The course involves a thorough musical and music theory specialization in a defined repertoire. Each semester focuses on a larger chamber music piece. The pieces are chosen by the teachers in consultation with the chamber music group and should belong in various musical periods. In the entire process from rehearsal to concert emphasis is put on the development of aesthetic awareness of the piece, and to use these insights to make informed musical choices and communicate these in a convincing manner.

Students will write a reflection paper. They are expected to read relevant literature related to the musical pieces. Relevant topics can be

  • the piece and the musical interpretation in a historical perspective
  • the piece and the musical interpretation in a harmonical/counterpoint and listening perspective
  • the musical process from rehearsal to concert

Structure

The course is taught for90 minutes per week over two semesters. The lessons will alternate between the students' own work, seminar presentations and workshops, teacher-led instruction, discussions and concerts.

The group members are mutually responsible for implementing a continuous group work process with weekly rehearsals.

Course requirements

  • Active participation is mandatory. More than 20 % absence from class will normally cause the student to fail the subject.
  • Students must participate in two concerts per year.
  • Students will write and submit two reflection papers of approx. 1000 words about the musical works they have learned.
  • The students will write short programme comments for the semester concerts.

Deadline: All course requirements must be approved by 20 May in the second semester of 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 teachers based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.

New assessment

Students who do not pass the course must finish the course requirement(s) in question.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Oct 21, 2024