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2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MUSS2820 Music in Practice

20 creditsClass Size: 14

Module manager: Dr Ewan Stefani
Email: e.j.stefani@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Pre-requisite qualifications

A Level Music or equivalent

At least one of: MUSS1220, MUSS1320, or MUSS1520 or another module as appropriate to the specific topic on offer

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Analogue Synthesisor Ensemble:The analogue synthesizer ensemble project will teach students how to create electronic music with a hands-on approach to learning skills in sound synthesis and performance practice. Using the School’s collection of instruments, students will be taught how to create a wide range of sounds, effects and musical patterns on the synthesizers, and how to perform together in an ensemble context. No previous experience with synthesizers is required, and all students will be taught how to develop all of the skills required for the project through practical classes, group rehearsals, and independent learning. The advantage of using analogue synthesizers is that all of the important parameters and controls on the instruments are easily accessible on the front panel of the instrument, so students can learn intuitively how to create musical patterns and sounds through experimentation, in addition to the directed tutorials and practical classes. Musically, the project will explore the cross-over between popular and experimental forms of electronic music, and the project will culminate in a performance of new works for the ensemble.

Objectives

Music in Practice aims to introduce students to specific topics within the field of academic practice-led research. Students will be involved in the development of project work, as directed by an individual member of academic staff, or a group of staff. A range of practice-led project themes will be offered each academic year. The content of each topic will be determined by current staff research and scholarship interests and activities. Projects may be interdisciplinary, combining different approaches to musical practice with the aim of increasing understanding of a specific research topic.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate the broadening of their musical knowledge through study of a defined area of practice;
- apply appropriate historical, analytical, critical, technological, psychological, scientific or comparative methodologies as appropriate to the design and development of a folio of practical work;
- demonstrate the development of musical practical skills;
- demonstrate the implementation of practice-led research skills;
- develop a sophisticated awareness of contextual approaches applicable to a specific musical repertoire or field of study.

Skills outcomes
Subject specific skills in music will include any combination of the following:
• Performance / improvisation skills
• Compositional skills
• Applied music technology skills
• Applied scientific research in music skills


Syllabus

Students will study one topic chosen from a range of research themes to be advertised to students in advance. The topics offered will cover different areas of practice-led research in any appropriate musical sub-disciplines or genres. Areas of study will typically involve activities such as musical performance, composition, improvisation, music technology, scientific investigation of music or combinations of any of these areas. The module will be taught via a combination of practice-led seminars and lectures.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture42.008.00
Practical62.0012.00
Private study hours180.00
Total Contact hours20.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)200.00

Private study

Students will be directed to online resources developed to support the module as appropriate, and a reading list will be provided for each area of study. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the relevant research context in their approach to practical work.

Private study time will typically include:
• 20 hours of literature review preparation,
• 3 hours of writing up notes per lecture (12 hours in total),
• 4 hours of preparation per class (24 hours in total),
• 4 hours of independent development of practice techniques per class (24 hours in total),
• 80 hours for creation of the portfolio,
• 20 hours of self-directed background reading and listening relevant to the topic

One of the six scheduled group-learning/practice-led sessions may be substituted for individual or group tutorials as appropriate. In this case, students should spend the additional private study time preparing for and working on ideas and approaches discussed in the tutorial.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Practice-led classes will provide opportunities for staff and peer feedback. Staff feedback on interim assignments and monitoring of progress will also be available via email and/or the VLE. Where a learning contract forms part of the portfolio submission this will also provide an opportunity for feedback and the monitoring of student progress.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Literature Review1400-1600 words20.00
Portfoliopractical work equivalent to 3000-4000 words80.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/08/2017

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