2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MUSS2325 Studies in Musical Performance

20 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Marian Jago
Email: M.S.Jago@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

Normally Grade 8 ABRSM practical or equivalent (in lieu of pre-requisite modules)
AND/OR
Satisfactory performance in MUSS 1324 or MUSS1320 and a satisfactory level of professionalism in working with external instrumental or vocal teacher(s)

You will not be able to enrol yourself onto this module since the School of Music needs to collect information about your previous musical experience. Please email music@leeds.ac.uk to register your interest and you will be contacted.

NOTE: If you are taking MUSS 2320 or 2340 you may not use the same instrument in this module.

This module is approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed to develop solo performance/conducting skills of students. Musical technique and related performance skills are taught in 6 hours of individual lessons (or small group lessons for conductors) across the two semesters. Lectures introduce students to issues that have a direct impact on their practical work. Attendance at concerts and self-reflective practice blogs develop critical judgement skills. Assessment is in the form of a practical performance exam and two written submissions.

Objectives

- the progressive deepening of musicianship - intellectual and emotional, development of performance skills and of instrumental/conducting/vocal technique, through the performance of repertoire;
- the continued development of aural awareness along with specific skills such as improvisation, sight-reading and memorising as appropriate to the instrument and genre pursued;
- the development of critical skills in performance (of self and others) ;
- the development of knowledge that supports practical performance;
- to learn organisational and planning skills for performance.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should:

- Show a more deeper understanding of their instrument/voice's repertoire, and a better working knowledge of other repertoires;
- Be independently motivated in their performance preparation;
- Be well organised with fellow-musicians, teachers, etc.;
- Show continued development of instrumental/vocal/conducting technique;
- Display developed skills in critical judgement;
- Be capable of continued development through application of intelligent and efficient self-review;
- Be able to apply knowledge from other domains to practical performance

Syllabus

Students take a course of individual instrumental, conducting or vocal lessons with a specialist teacher. These lessons will be spread over the two semesters. Students will also attend a series of lectures on issues relating to practical performances (indicative subjects: performance anxiety; choosing an edition; leading an ensemble; effective practice strategies; performance practice). Students write six blog reviews detailing repertoire choice and personal practice, to be commented on by their peers. Student must perform at least once per semester on practice performance sessions. Assessment is via performance exam and two written submissions consisting of concert reflections (3 first semester, 2 second semester).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Instrumental/Vocal Lesson	6	1.00	6.00
Concert	5	1.00	5.00
Group learning	4	1.00	4.00
Lecture	6	1.00	6.00
Independent online learning hours			10.00
Private study hours			169.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Indicative schedule for private study
Individual practice and preparation for practical sessions: 94 hrs
Preparing and revising for lectures: 15 hrs
Draft programme: 10 hrs
Researching and writing concert reflections: 50 hrs
Independent online learning: Blog posts: 10 hrs

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students must write six self-reflective blog entries linked to repertoire selection and personal practice.
Students must submit a draft exam repertoire sheet before the end semester 1 on which they receive feedback.
Students must submit two written assignments comprised of a short series of concert reflections. One of these is due by the end of semester 1, and another by the end of semester 2. These concert reflections must incorporate themes drawn from lectures, and demonstrate research and independent learning.
Continuous feedback on practical work is provided through individual/group lessons across both semesters.
Students practice their performance skills in group sessions.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	1250 – 1500 word essay	25.00
Practical	10-15 minute practical examination. No staff accompanist is provided for the performance exam. Note that no staff accompanist is provided. Students must arrange their own accompanist, or perform unaccompanied.	50.00
Assignment	1250 – 1500 wrd essay	25.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Time of any resit is by mutual arrangement between examiner, venue and the student. Staff accompanist may not be provided for resits.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 04/07/2016

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