MU1314: Practical Musicianship 1
| School | Cardiff School of Music |
| Department Code | MUSIC |
| Module Code | MU1314 |
| External Subject Code | 100637 |
| Number of Credits | 10 |
| Level | L4 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Timothy Taylor |
| Semester | Double Semester |
| Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
(N.B. This module is a prerequisite for study of practical modules in following years)
Note that students taking this module must also take MU1125 Elements of Tonal Music I
This module aims
- to provide instruction in instrumental/vocal performance and enable students to develop the practical study of their chosen instrument or voice (through regular lessons) to a performance standard appropriate for a first-year closed recital;
- to cultivate in students the ability to demonstrate in performance (vocal or instrumental) both proficiency of technique and an understanding of musical style and interpretation appropriate to his/her instrument or voice;
- to encourage student participation in the practical activities of the School of Music;
- to encourage concert attendance.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- understand and interpret musical notation with confidence;
- assimilate relevant source materials to aid the presentation of a stylistically aware performance;
- develop the ability to work independently, plan, implement and evaluate his/her own practice and performance;
- select a contrasting programme of appropriate technical and musical difficulty suitable for a first-year closed recital;
- demonstrate commitment to the practical activities of the School of Music.
How the module will be delivered
An instrumental/vocal teacher is assigned to the student at the beginning of the academic year. The student will receive weekly lessons of 30 minutes (or the equivalent thereof) from the assigned instrumental/vocal teacher, who will also advise the student on programme selection appropriate to the level of the module and the student’s individual skills/strengths. Students are also required to take part in either the University Orchestra or the University Choir, the rehearsals and concerts contributing to their general musicianship training. They are also encouraged towards additional participation in the School’s musical activities.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Discipline-specific (including practical) skills
The ability to
- demonstrate appropriate stylistic sensitivity and musical understanding, physical dexterity and control, and technical accuracy and versatility in the preparation and convincing presentation of an approved, contrasting programme for a 15-minute, first-year closed recital;
- demonstrate artistic, interpretative and critical skills in the preparation and convincing presentation of a first-year closed recital.
Generic skills
The ability to
- exercise initiative, self-motivation, self-criticism, presentational skills and professional protocols and carry out effective self-directed learning;
- exercise efficiency and reliability of organisational skills and personal management (working with others, attending rehearsals, etc);
- work both as a member of a team and as a leader of others in team-work (playing in an ensemble);
- absorb concepts, build upon them and communicate the resultant synthesis accurately, convincingly and imaginatively to an audience;
- demonstrate the ability and confidence to carry a creative project through to completion and delivery.
How the module will be assessed
|
Type of assessment
|
% Contribution |
Title |
Duration |
Approx. date of Assessment |
|
Summative assessment |
10 |
Core attendance: attendance and participation at practical lessons and at University Choir/Orchestra rehearsals and performances (learning outcomes 1, 2 and 4) |
|
Throughout both semesters |
|
Summative assessment |
20 |
Additional participation: a Practical Contribution Portfolio, detailing participation in all additional performances undertaken within or under the aegis of the School of Music, including concerts, workshops and masterclasses (learning outcomes 4 and 5) |
|
Throughout both semesters |
|
Summative assessment |
70 |
Closed instrumental/vocal recital of approved programme (learning outcomes 1–4) |
15 minutes |
Spring semester examination period (June) |
The potential for reassessment in this module
In cases of failure or extenuating circumstances the closed recital can be taken/retaken in the resit period subject to the approval of the Undergraduate Examination Board.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical-Based Assessment | 70 | Practical Musicianship I - Practical-Based Assessment | N/A |
| Portfolio | 20 | Practical Musicianship I - Portfolio | N/A |
| Portfolio | 10 | Core Attendance | N/A |
Syllabus content
Variable according to the principal study instrument and standard of each student.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Boretz, Benjamin and Cone, Edward T. (eds), Perspectives on Notation and Performances (New York: Norton, 1976)
Brendel, Alfred, Musical Thoughts and Afterthoughts (London: Robson, 1982)
Cole, Hugo, Sounds and Signs: Aspects of Musical Notation (London: Oxford University Press, 1974)
Dunsby, Jonathan, Performing Music: Shared Concerns (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1995)
Grindea, Carola (ed.), Tension in the Performance of Music (London: Kahn & Averill, 1978)
Hudson, Richard, Stolen Time: The History of Tempo Rubato (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1994)
Rink, John (ed.), The Practice of Performance: Studies in Musical Interpretation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995)
——— (ed.), Musical Performance (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002)
Taruskin, Richard, Text and Act: Essays on Music and Performance (New York: Oxford University Press, 1995)
Waterman, Fanny, On Piano Teaching and Performing (London: Faber Music, 1983)