- Course type: Concentration.
- Year of study: Year 1, first semester.
- Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructor.
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music Performance Degree Programme.
- Language of instruction: English.
- Study component: MAUT Master of Music Performance Degree Programme.
Course description
This course is for students in the Master’s Degree Programme in Music Performance – ECMAster.
The course takes place over the first semester and is for students starting in Oslo. The course facilitates the ensemble musicians’ development as performers as well as their acquisition of a comprehensive repertoire, thus enabling the students to work as professional music practitioners at a high level. Key aspects of the course include the development of the ensemble’s artistic expression as well as refinement of their musical presentation and communication.
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, it is expected that the students as an ensemble
- have acquired a comprehensive, balanced repertoire
- shows the ability to convey artistic expression and demonstrate advanced technical skills as part of an ensemble
- excel at conveying various forms of expression and are perceived as knowledgeable musicians
- have experience with improvisational processes in the ensemble
- are able to apply strategies for improving intonation in ensemble playing
- are able to work in an independent, purposeful and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges
Overview
The course covers the rehearsal and performance of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. The group’s area of interest and personal musical preferences will be emphasized and challenged. The course will focus on the development of the ensembles’ artistic skills, and their ability to convey musical expression. The repertoire is planned in collaboration with the chamber music coach and normally consists of music from various eras.
Most of the course is comprised of the ensemble’s work with
- rehearsing and interpreting repertoire that normally is new for the ensemble (duration: 60 minutes)
- developing, preparing and implementing public performances (duration: 40 minutes)
- relevant literature (including material from artistic development work and research)
- class instruction and interpretation classes
- participation in at least one ECMA session
Structure
The course is organised as regular instruction with a chamber music coach, and optional instruction on each student’s principal instrument. Students are also expected to participate in at least one ECMA session during the first term.
Structure and recommended scope of instruction and expected progression are further outlined 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
Public performances
The group will perform a repertoire with a playing time of at least 40 minutes. If so desired, the repertoire may be divided into several performances. A minimum of half of the repertoire must be performed at venues outside the Academy. About 10 minutes of the performance should be improvised.
Performances must be documented (audio or video). The students choose the form and format of the documentation. The ensemble 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.
Repertoire report
The group will submit a repertoire report over at least 60 minutes of learned repertoire. The report must list public performances of no less than 40 minutes. The report must be signed by the students and the chamber music coach.
ECMA Intensive Programme sessions (IP)
The ensemble must participate in one ECMA IP session during the course.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining the final assessment. Assessment is based on the learning objectives. The final assessment is given as an individual pass/fail mark, which is determined by the course instructor (chamber music coach) based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period. The ensemble musicians are mutually responsible for the artistic outcome of the ensemble’s work. Should, however, a student not be able to complete the course, the remaining students will still get an assessment if the course requirements can be met with a stand-in. The ensemble is responsible for finding a stand-in and must normally cover any costs associated with this.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the ensemble must play an exam performance with the repertoire described under «Course requirements / Public performances». Duration 40 minutes. A student cannot demand a re-assessment if the ensemble has already passed the course with a stand-in unless a medical certificate can be presented.