Music in Per­spect­ive

• Year of study: Year 1, two semesters.
• Final assessment: Reflection paper.
• Prerequisites: Admission to one of the applicable study programmes.
• Language of instruction: Norwegian/English.

Course description

This course is for students enrolled in the

• Artist Diploma – Master of Music Performance Degree Programme for Soloist or Chamber Music Ensemble
• Master of Music in Music Performance (except for students taking the specialisation in Performance with Thesis)
• Master of Music in Conducting
• Master of Music in Performing Music Technology

The course is a combination of theory and practice and will enable students to place themselves as musicians in a broader artistic context. The content is organised into modules.

Learning objectives

On completion of the course, it is expected that the students will

• reflect on their own and others’ artistic practise with a basis in the subject area’s history, traditions, unique characteristics and place in society
• demonstrate insight into their own role as a musician in a social context
• be able to communicate about musical issues in their subject area with specialists and the general public
• be able to analyse and critically assess various information sources and use these to structure and formulate scholarly arguments
• be able to assess material from artistic development activity and research
• show insight into and critically assess ethical norms and issues of a musical and professional nature

Overview

1. Introductory seminar

The seminar will include presentations of the various modules of the course and introduce the different elements to a Master's programme, including the demands the study poses to the student. Students will choose labs, projects and modules during the introductory seminar.

Language of instruction: English.

2. Laboratories

The module serves as the students’ creative space where they can engage with other art forms and related subjects. Students will choose 4 labs. Through practical tasks, cooperative and creative processes, and reflective conversations, students will develop their creativity, perspective and are challenged to take risks.

Language of instruction: English.

3. Dialogue

Dialogues act as a meeting point between students and central participants to the cultural filed.

4. Modules

Each module gives students the opportunity to dive into a topic related to their role as musicians. Students will choose two modules.

5. Project

Students will prepare and complete a collaborative project. The project can have either a social or an interdisciplinary aspect. The project will form the basis for reflection on the role and function of music and the musician in society.

Language of instruction: English and Norwegian.

Deadline: Within 10 September students will sign up for two modules and one projects using Canvas.

Structure

1. Introductory seminar: three-day seminar at the start of the first year of study. Instruction may take the form of presentations, lectures and group assignments.
2. Labs: Group gatherings lasting three hours. Students will work on practical tasks, creative processes and reflective conversations.
3. Dialogue: Arranged four to six times per year.
4. Modules: Each module is organised in several sections of 11 hours in total. Instruction may take the form of seminars, presentations, group assignments etc. The three organisation of each module will be specified during the introductory seminar.
5. Project: The projects normally last one week. Students are expected to prepare in groups prior to the project week.

For an overview of recommended amounts of instruction, please see Organisation under the description of the individual study programme.

Students have registered automatically for instruction/supervision and assessment in the course in accordance with the study progress requirements set out in the individual education plan.

Course requirements

1. Introductory seminar: Active participation is mandatory.
2. Laboratories: Active participation in four labs is mandatory.
3. Dialogue: Active participation is mandatory in a minimum of three dialogues.
4. Modules: Active participation is mandatory in two modules.
5. Project: Active participation is mandatory for the entire project week and preparations prior to it.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be fulfilled and approved before the student is given a final assessment.

Student assessment is based on the learning objectives. The final assessment will be given as a pass/fail mark determined on the basis of a reflection paper. The paper will be assessed by two internal examiners.

Reflection paper

Students must write a reflection paper (approx. 2500 words / 4-6 pages) that puts their own role as a musician in perspective and discusses it in light of the experience and knowledge the student has gained in the course.

Deadline: Reflection papers must be submitted to the Exams office no later than 1 June of the second semester of studies. The paper must include the student's name and programme.

New assessment

In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.