Overview

This module is designed to enable students to further develop their performance skills as instrumentalists, singers, accompanists or chamber musicians. Students will receive individual tuition with a specialist tutor, addressing advanced technique, style and interpretation. In addition, students will attend and participate in fortnightly workshops, led by the module tutor, which will address more generally the skills required of a performer, and will enable students to develop in confidence, experience and knowledge. The Assessment schedule is two-fold and comprises a recital of solo instrumental or vocal music lasting 20 minutes (80%) and an Oral presentation lasting 10 minutes (20%).

The content of this module will include the advanced consideration of performance technique, pedagogy, analysis, interpretation studies, performance studies, delivering oral presentations on the repertoire performed, and preparing for performance. Workshops will also consider stagecraft and the role of communication in performance.

The Assessment schedule is two-fold and comprises a recital of solo instrumental or vocal music lasting 20 minutes (80%) and an Oral presentation lasting 10 minutes (20%).

Weighting of topics will vary from year to year, responding to performer specialisms and student interests.

Assessment Strategy

Pass: C– to C+ (50% to 59%) The performance demonstrates a mostly consistent technique and some stylistic awareness appropriate to the repertoire chosen. The mark will be limited to this level by issues such as technical inaccuracies, weaknesses in projection and phrasing, lapses in conveying details of the composer’s intentions, imitation of interpretative decisions made by other performers instead of showing original intent, and evidence of basic background research into the repertoire performed. The oral presentation/text-based work displays scant knowledge of the subject, with limited ability at conceptual thought, but has some evidence of a generally intellectual approach, with fair expression. Merit: B– to B+ (60%-69%) The performance is focused and engaging, demonstrating a consistent technique with effective and imaginative use of rhythmic and dynamic control as creative communication. There will be evidence of some independent thought and background preparation including academic research and knowledge of the historical issues and performance practice concerns in the repertoire studied. The oral presentation/text-based work displays a good grasp of the subject, a satisfactory level of conceptual thought, awareness of the main issues, with evidence of intellectual acumen and good expression. Distinction: A– and A (70%-83%) The performance will be of a high technical standard and will demonstrate evidence of independent thought and thorough background preparation including academic research and detailed knowledge of the historical issues and performance practice concerns in the repertoire studied. The performance will demonstrate authoritative employment of expressive devices and the ability to make original and convincing interpretative decisions in a compelling and creative performance. The oral presentation/text-based work displays a thorough grasp of the subject, with evidence of broad contextual study, deep thought, originality of approach and very good written skills. Distinction: A+ to A** (84%-100%) A performance in this category will demonstrate all of the features of the A– to A category, in addition to demonstrating excellent technical ability and interpretative vision which meets the standards of an early career professional performing artist. The oral presentation /text-based work displays an exhaustive grasp of the subject, with evidence of broader contextual study, deeper thought, originality of approach and excellent written skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Communicate verbally a rational analysis and appraisal of the recital repertoire.

• Demonstrate leadership when working with an accompanist, or, when unaccompanied, perform the work(s) demonstrating full command of relevant textural / melodic and interpretative requirements.

• Programme and perform a specialist repertoire/broad recital which conveys independence of thought and critical reflection supported by relevant technical proficiency (including intonation, as appropriate).