2023/24 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

MUSS5331M Researching Performance

30 creditsClass Size: 35

Module manager: Prof Michael Allis
Email: m.allis@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2023/24

Module replaces

This module replaces Professional Studies within the MMus Performance Programme.

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This skills-based module enables you to practically apply performance research methods to your performance interests. You will be introduced to a range of topics relating to performance research methods, including but not limited to practice-led research and archival methods. You will then have the opportunity to select appropriate methods to explore and investigate topics relevant to your repertoire enthusiasms and will develop an awareness of performance research issues and the ability to effectively communicate your research.

Objectives

Students will explore how to identify relevant source materials, how to critically evaluate them, and how to appropriately reference them. Through the exploration of performance-related topics, students will develop communication skills in presenting their research ideas and be encouraged to situate their repertoire enthusiasms within a wider academic context.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an awareness of how issues relating to performance research can be presented effectively.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of appropriate methodologies pertaining to performance research, along with relevant contexts (whether historical, cultural, or in terms of specific performance traditions) within which their performance interests might be situated.
3. Demonstrate an ability to find, evaluate and reference source materials appropriately.
4. Demonstrate appropriate discipline and rigour in your development as a performer-scholar for this level of study.

Skills outcomes
Identifying musical sources; evaluating musical sources critically; referencing musical sources; presentation skills.

Syllabus

In addition to sessions focusing upon how to identify and reference sources appropriately, how to approach these sources critically, and how research ideas might be presented effectively, the syllabus will explore discrete areas relating to researching performance, likely to include: the significance of recordings; performers’ writings; the importance of editions; issues of archival research; and the historical significance of individual performers (involving practice-led and more conventional methodologies). Attendance at concerts and research events will provide you with models of presentation.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	4	0.50	2.00
Concert	8	1.00	8.00
seminars	5	1.00	5.00
seminars	11	2.00	22.00
Archival Sessions	1	2.00	2.00
Private study hours			261.00
Total Contact hours			39.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Private study (c.259.5hours) will involve independent bibliographic research and critical evaluation connected with a chosen area of study, the studying of referencing systems, the identification and appreciation of selected texts/recordings, creation of presentation/lecture recital materials, the practising of presentation delivery, attendance at selected research colloquia and concerts, use of support resources such as skills@library, preparatory/post-lecture reading, and reading and studying the Minerva pages for the module which include the range of documentation associated with it.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Each assessment requires the production of formative work and drafts which each receive formative feedback. Students also receive three group tutorials and one individual tutorial. Each of the research skills seminars will also provide the opportunity for feedback on the specific skills being developed (for instance, in critically evaluating sources, activities are designed based on active learning principles and tutor feedback).

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Critique	750-1000	40.00
Presentation	a 20-25 minute presentation/lecture recital	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The Presentation/Lecture Recital will take place after the Easter vacation. Resits will be offered later in the year if needed.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/12/2023

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