- Year of study: Two semesters, fall and spring.
- Final assessment: Assessment from the course instructor.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.
Course description
The course combines performance with aural training and music theory. Established ensembles are highly recommended to apply, however, the course is also open to individual students. Individual students are placed together in suitable ensembles. Established ensembles must send an e-mail to Are Sandbakken with information about participants and instruments of the group.
The course is open to all students in the second module but has limited capacity.
Responsible department: String and Harp Department.
Course teachers: The course will be taught by a multidisciplinary team consisting of instructors in principal instruments, composition, music theory and aural skills.
Course coordinator: Are Sandbakken.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the course, students are expected to
- be able to work with chamber music in an independent and reflected manner
- use active listening and music-theoretical perspectives in the musical rehearsal process
Overview
The course involves a thorough musical and music theory specialization in a defined repertoire. Each semester focuses on a larger chamber music piece. The pieces are chosen by the teachers in consultation with the chamber music group and should belong in various musical periods. In the entire process from rehearsal to concert emphasis is put on the development of aesthetic awareness of the piece, and to use these insights to make informed musical choices and communicate these in a convincing manner.
Students will write a reflection paper. They are expected to read relevant literature related to the musical pieces. Relevant topics can be
- the piece and the musical interpretation in a historical perspective
- the piece and the musical interpretation in a harmonical/counterpoint and listening perspective
- the musical process from rehearsal to concert
Structure
The course is taught for 2 sessions of 45 minutes per week for 24 weeks. The lessons will alternate between the students' own work, seminar presentations and workshops, teacher-led instruction, discussions and concerts.
The group members are mutually responsible for implementing a continuous group work process with weekly rehearsals.
Course requirements
- Active participation is mandatory. More than 20 % absence from class will normally cause the student to fail the subject.
- Students must participate in two concerts per year.
- Students will write and submit two reflection papers of approx. 1000 words about the musical works they have learned.
- The students will write short programme comments for the semester concerts.
Deadline: All course requirements must be approved by 20 May in the second semester of the course.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a final assessment.
Assessment is based on learning objectives. The final assessment is given as a pass/fail mark, which is determined by the course teachers based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.
New assessment
Students who do not pass the course must finish the course requirement(s) in question.