Module overview
In this module students prepare one programme of instrumental, vocal, or mixed-ensemble music of their own choice, which is coached regularly by members of staff. There is an expectation that students, not staff, will independently organise an ensemble for this module. If a student does not have an ensemble pre-planned, they will be assisted by the module lead in joining one.
NB: Ensembles must be made up of at least three performers and include at least two students who are assessed (students can only be assessed in one ensemble).
Entry to this course is subject to approval of the appropriate Head of Performance and the module lead.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Be critical of your ensemble members in a productive way.
- Work and perform independently.
- Organise your rehearsal time efficiently.
- Work and perform with others.
- Listen more effectively to what others in your group are saying.
- Listen more intently and critically while you are playing.
- Be self critical, musically and technically.
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Technical problems and solutions on chosen instrument as they relate to the ensemble.
- Stage presentation and audience communication.
- Individual practice techniques.
- Repertoire of chosen ensemble.
- Ensemble practice technique.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Structure rehearsal sessions effectively.
- Ability to apply ensemble practice techniques to new repertoire.
- Self-evaluate in practice and rehearsal to continue to improve.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Exercise greater technical control of your instrument (facility, pitch range, flexibility, tone control, muscular coordination).
- Exercise greater musical control of your instrument (including dynamic range, colour range, shape and structure, and phrasing).
- Exercise greater awareness of how your instrument fits in to the ensemble and the various roles it can play (accompaniment vs. soloist).
Syllabus
Your ensemble will meet with your coach for coaching sessions and be required to learn a programme of repertoire. You will develop your practice and rehearsal skills and , as an ensemble, take responsibility for creating a performance that showcases all members.
You will attend lunchtime concerts and engage in relevant performance projects and workshops run by visiting musicians, members of the department and Heads of Performance.
You will be required to complete one practical performance examination.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
You will be expected to rehearse regularly with your ensemble at regularly in addition to regular, scheduled coaching sessions with your instructor. You will be given the opportunity to perform in classes/workshops run by Heads of Studies, department performance projects (often resulting in public performance), as well as the opportunity to take part in workshops and masterclasses with visiting performers and the lunchtime concert series. You will also learn while listening and observing lunchtime concerts.
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Independent Study | 138 |
Teaching | 12 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Students receive verbal feedback during coaching sessions. Marks and feedback on practical performance exams is given in writing by the examiners.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Examination | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal