This module aims to:

• promote reflection on practical musical making, both by the student and by professionals; 

• provide instruction in ensemble playing through participation in core instrumental/vocal ensembles; 

• educate students in issues of practical performance associated with a range of vocal/instrumental studies and musical traditions;  

• encourage varied, ambitious, and imaginative participation in performance activities, as well as frequent attendance at and/or viewing of student and professional performances;  

• encourage personal initiative in the instigation, organization and/or direction of performance activities; 

• foster the critical evaluation of and reflection on performance. 

• demonstrate the ability to plan, implement and evaluate one’s own practice and performance, working independently and with others;    

• show engagement with the ensembles, concerts, and performance classes and other practical activities at the School of Music;  

• identify and explain links between academic, creative, and practical aspects of the student’s study;  

• demonstrate the ability to prepare for the practice and evaluation of performance through listening, observation, musical or ethnographic analysis, and research, as appropriate to the music and musical tradition in question;  

• evaluate a musical performance and write a piece of performance criticism or commentary in a style and form appropriate for a musically informed but non-specialist public. 

Students will develop their practical musical skills through a range of practical activities and critical reflection. Examples of possible practical activities include individual practice and performance, small ensemble work, participation in the School of Music’s professionally directed core ensembles, participation in or direction of student ensembles, collaboration with composers, participation in and/or attendance at performance classes, and participation in online music-making activities. Students will develop their skills of critical reflection through a review of their performance activities and through concert reviews. Instruction for the portfolio presentation will be through a combination of face-to-face, online, and/or pre-recorded sessions.  

Core participation in at least one school ensemble is a requirement of this module. Please note that students also taking Practical Musicianship 3 or Recital will need to participate in a different ensemble: i.e. students cannot receive credit for the same activity in two different modules.  

Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year. 

Discipline-Specific (including Practical) Skills 

The ability to: 

• demonstrate appropriate stylistic sensitivity and musical understanding, physical control and dexterity, technical accuracy and versatility in the preparation and convincing presentation of solo (where appropriate) and ensemble performances;  

• demonstrate artistic, interpretative, and critical skills in the preparation and convincing presentation of public performances;  

•  find creative links between published scholarship and cultural/textual/musical analysis to demonstrate reflection and listening skills in the process of performing; 

• analyse critically their own performances and those of others. 

Generic and Employability 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 teamwork (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 out creative projects through to completion and delivery. 

THREE STRANDS TO BE OFFERED (STUDENTS CHOOSE TWO) 

Each strand chosen will be worth 50% of the total mark. 

1 Conducting 

An in-class evaluation undertaken by the module leader, with mark, commentary/feedback via hard copy or Learning Central if applicable. Assessment to take place in-class in final weeks of Semester II. (50%) 

2 Professional skills (two concert reviews) 

Two concert reviews of 800 words each (1600 words total) to be submitted via Learning Central towards the end of Semester II. (50%) 

3 Reflective Essay 

Reflective Essay of 1600 words, being a personal reflection upon the academic year, with an additional practice diary. These reflections will be expected to include information about attendance at performance class and ensemble activity. (50%) 

 The potential for reassessment in this module   

Reassessment in this module can be undertaken, subject to the approval of the Examining Board. Students will resit failed assessments.   

Teaching    
Each semester will have several dedicated classes guiding students through a process of reflection that encourages them to link their academic and practical skills and activities. Teaching consists in themed performance classes, professionally led School of Music core ensembles, or, for pianists, small group coaching.  Core participation in at least one school ensemble is a requirement of either this area of study or Ethnomusicology Ensemble. Please note that students also taking Individual Performance Tuition will need to participate in a different ensemble: i.e. students cannot receive credit for the same activity in two different modules. For the concert review, teaching consists in attendance at concerts, as well as lectures that guide students through the issues involved in preparing for and writing a concert review.   Full details on the delivery mode of this module will be available on Learning Central at the start of the academic year. 

Background reading and resource list    
Dingle, Christopher, ed., The Cambridge History of Music Criticism (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2019)   

Lawson, Colin, and Robin Stowell, eds, The Cambridge History of Historical Performance in Music (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2012) 
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