Unit information: Performance in 2014/15

Unit name	Performance
Unit code	MUSI20058
Credit points	20
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director	Dr. David Trippett
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	MUSI10050
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Music
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit fosters the development of performance skills acquired at level C. There are 3 possible elements: (i) a 20-minute solo recital examined at the end of semester 2 (prepared through individual lessons and supplemented by seminars and masterclasses arranged by the Department); (ii) the compilation of a log book detailing the student's critical self-reflection on the development of his/her performance skills as the unit progresses; and (iii) EITHER an ensemble recital (prepared through seminars and masterclasses arranged by the Department) OR a further 10-minute solo recital examined at the end of semester 1. (Students will be required to nominate their choice at the beginning of the autumn term at the latest.)

Aims:

Through a variety of teaching contexts, including individual instrumental or vocal lessons, performance seminars and workshops, and masterclasses, this unit aims to deepen the student's appreciation of technique and its musical application in solo and ensemble performance. With respect to solo performance, repertoire will be broadened; stylistic awareness (including an awareness of historically-informed styles of performance) will be extended; programme planning and recital presentation will be refined. The skill of co-operation with other musicians in an ensemble context will be introduced in this unit. Occasional masterclasses and ensemble coaching sessions given by visiting professional performers will enhance the learning experience. The unit also aims to encourage critical self-reflection on personal development as a performer through the compilation of a detailed log book.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to:

1. perform technically competent recitals on their principal instrument or voice, displaying, where appropriate, effective communication with the accompanist or ensemble in performance
2. apply recommended principles of repertoire selection and programme planning
3. develop and display a confident attitude towards presentational aspects of their recital
4. master the most fruitful techniques of individual practice
5. respond thoughtfully to constructive criticism of their playing (in workshops and lessons)

Teaching Information

Performance seminars and workshops (including occasional coaching sessions and masterclasses given by visiting professionals); individual lessons.

Assessment Information

A solo or ensemble recital (c. 10 mins) examined at the end of semester 1 (30%)

A solo recital (c. 20 mins) examined at the end of semester 2 (70%)

A log book detailing performance activities through the year ("pass / fail" i.e. a log book of passable standard is required for credit to be awarded for the unit)

The solo or ensemble recitals will measure outcomes 1 – 4

The log book will measure outcome 2, 4 and 5

Reading and References

• Brendel, A., Musical Thoughts and Afterthoughts (London, 1980)

• Dunsby, J., Performing Music: Shared Concerns (London, 1993)

• Le Huray, P., Authenticity in Performance (Cambridge, 1990)

• Rink, J. (ed.), The Practice of Performance: Studies in Musical Interpretation (Cambridge, 1995)

• Stowell, R. (ed.), Performing Beethoven (Cambridge, 1994)

• Rink, J. (ed.), Musical Performance: A Guide to Understanding (Cambridge, 2003)