Course description
The course is for students enrolled in Master of Music with Individual Concentration (FRIMA) and the following programme options in the Master of Music in Performance programme:
- Improvised music/Jazz
- Performance and Research (for students playing improvised music/jazz).
Students take this course in the two first semesters of the study programme, and it aims to support the Master's Project. Key aspects of the course include the development of the students' artistic identity and the ability to express themselves artistically as well as refinement of their technical skills and skills in musical presentation and communication.
Learning objectives
On completion of the course, students are expected to
- show awareness of their artistic identity and be able to contextualise their own artistic work
- master a range of music practices, demonstrating presentation skills and knowledge
- be able to initiate, complete and direct artistic projects alone and with others
- be able to complete interdisciplinary projects
- show basic skills in using various media channels
- be critically aware of ethical issues related to their discipline, and have acquired professional work ethics
- be aware of economic conditions related to realising their artistic vision
Overview
The course consists of planning, implementing and evaluating projects on the student's own and under the leadership of others.
Projects
Students will plan, implement and evaluate projects. The projects should be completed artistic projects designed to prepare the student for completing their Master's project but should not overlap with it. Students will document their projects in a format agreed upon with the project supervisor (concert, recording etc.). A written reflection paper on the specific processes of each project must be submitted.
Semester project requirements
Must be met when students have completed the courses Artistic Specialisation I - Project and Artistic Specialisation II - Project
- Minimum 1 project must be interdisciplinary (it can include elements from other art forms, such as dance, visual arts, film etc.)
- Minimum 1 project must be performed at a public venue (outside the institution)
- Minimum 1 written reflection must relate to the role of music in society.
Ensemble projects
A joint collaborative project is organized for students enrolled in the programme option Improvised Music and Jazz.
Projects for FRIMA students
Projects will be organised for these students each study year. Examples of projects can be ensemble/band playing, working on recording projects, interdisciplinary projects or seminars on relevant topics. The programme coordinator will decide the contents of the projects in dialogue with the students and the academic staff.
Structure
Each student or ensemble will be assigned a supervisor at the beginning of their studies, usually from among the Academy's permanent teachers. The supervisor follows the ensemble/student throughout the entire course of study and provides advice and feedback regarding the planning, rehearsal and implementation of the various projects. The supervisor disposes of a determined tutoring resource. A project supervisor is appointed to oversee one cohort in the Improvised Music/Jazz specialisation. This same teacher is responsible for the sessions in the Master’s Forum. Students receive project funds, which are managed in consultation with the project supervisor. Projects are planned and executed independently by the students. The use of project funds must be approved by the program coordinator.
For FRIMA students
Students receive project funds, which are managed in consultation with the project supervisor. Projects are planned and executed independently by the students. The use of project funds must be approved by the program coordinator.
Collaborative Project
Project weeks for all students with Improvised Music/Jazz specialisation.
Students are responsible for their own progression and must make regular appointments with and submit materials to the teacher(s) (scores, recordings, project description, etc.) so that they maintain their progression as agreed.
Within the parameters established by the Academy, the student or students are responsible in practical as well as financial terms for all aspects associated with the project and concert organisation, the implementation of the project, and audio and video recordings.
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. Mandatory attendance in one collaborative project
This course requirement applies only to the students in the specialisation Improvised music/Jazz.
1. Mandatory attendance in one project for FRIMA students
For FRIMA students the course requirement in the first bullet point will be replaced by this bullet point.
2. Process portfolio
Students will assemble a portfolio including:
- A plan for each project is to be approved by the project supervisor prior to starting the project. The plan should describe the practical planning and implementation of the project.
- Documentation in an appropriate format for completed projects (approx. 90-120 minutes of recorded music). The amount of minutes of documentation are indicative and should be seen in relation to the workload required for completing different types of projects. The project supervisor approves the documentation.
- A log/reflection paper on each project. Each log/reflection paper (approx. 1200 per project) must be submitted to the project supervisor, who sets deadlines for submission.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be met in order for the student to be given a final assessment.
Assessment is based on the learning objectives. The final assessment will be given as a pass/fail mark, which will be determined by the primary supervisor and the project supervisor based on the portfolio documentation and an individual evaluation of the student's level of achievement throughout the course period.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.