- Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over 3 semesters (autumn, spring, autumn).
- Final assessment: Exam portfolio.
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Performance programme.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian/English.
Course description
This course is for students in the concentration Improvised Music/Jazz, in the Master of Music in Performance programme.
Students take this course in their first three semesters (over the first and second academic years). The course is designed to facilitate development as a performer and acquisition of a new, comprehensive repertoire, thus enabling the student to work as a professional music practitioner at a high level. Key aspects of the course include development of the students’ ability to express themselves artistically as well as refinement of their technical skills and skills in musical presentation and communication.
Learning objectives
On completion of the course, students are expected to
- show awareness of their artistic identity in a practical context
- master a range of music practices, demonstrating presentation skills and knowledge
- be able to initiate, complete and direct artistic projects alone and with others
- be able to complete interdisciplinary projects
- show basic skill in using various media channels
- be critically aware of ethical issues related to their discipline, and have acquired professional work ethics
- be aware of economic conditions related to realizing their artistic vision
Overview
The course consist of planning, implementing and evaluating three projects, the student's own and under the leadership of others.
Projects
Students will plan, implement and evaluate three projects. The projects should be completed artistic projects designed to prepare the student for completing their Master's project, but should not overlap with it. Students will document their projects in a format agreed upon with their supervisor (concert, recording etc.). A written reflection paper on the specific processes of each project must be submitted.
Semester project requirements
- Minimum 1 project must be interdisciplinary (it can include elements fro other art forms, such as dance, visual arts, film etc.)
- Minimum 1 project must be performed at a public venue (outside the institution)
- Minimum 1 reflection paper must be on perspectives from the music business or music in society.
Forums for projects and entrepreneurship
The forum will
- provide students with an introduction to project work as a method and work mode.
- provide students with an introduction to entrepreneurship.
- serve as an arena for sharing experience and discussions.
Ensemble projects
All Improvised Music and Jazz students participate in ensemble projects.
Structure
Each student or ensemble will be assigned a supervisor at the beginning of their studies, usually from among the Academy’s permanent teachers. The supervisor follows the ensemble/student throughout the entire course of study and provides advice and feedback regarding the planning, rehearsal and implementation of the various projects. The supervisor disposes of a determined tutoring resource. Students will also dispose of a project grant together with their supervisor. Projects are planned and implemented by students, in agreement with their supervisor.
Forum for projects and entrepreneurship
Normally organised 10 times during the course.
Continuous observations via a blog and/or learning management systems.
Ensembles
Project weeks for all improvised music and jazz students.
Students are responsible for their own progression and must make regular appointments with and submit materials to the teacher(s) (scores, recordings, project description, etc.) so that they maintain their progression as agreed.
Within the parameters established by the Academy, the student or students are responsible in practical as well as financial terms for all aspects associated with the project and concert organisation, the implementation of the project, and audio and video recordings.
For an overview of recommended amounts of instruction and organisation, please see Organisation under the description of the individual study programme.
Students are 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. Forum for projects and entrepreneurship: Students must attend minimum 7 out of 10 forums. Students will present a minimum of 1 project.
2. Mandatory attendance in 2 ensembles during the course.
3. Process portfolio
Students will assemble a portfolio including:
- A plan for each project, to be approved by the supervisor prior to starting the project. The plan should describe the practical planning and implementation of the project.
- Documentation in a suited format, documenting completed projects (approx. 60 minutes per project), and a log/reflection paper on each project (approx. 1200 words per project) must be submitted for approval to the supervisor before a deadline set by the supervisor.
Deadline: The process portfolio must be completed and approved by the supervisor by 15 November in the third semester of the course.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining final assessment.
Assessment is based on learning objectives. The final assessment is given as a pass/fail mark, which is determined based on each student’s exam portfolio. Assessment is done by 2 internal examiners. Of which one is normally the principal supervisor.
Exam portfolio
Based on the process portfolio, students will assemble an exam portfolio including:
- List of completed projects with a short description of each.
- Project plan, documentation and reflection paper for 1 project
- Reflection paper (approx. 1600 words) on the students individual role as musician and future career.
Deadline: The exam portfolio must be submitted in 3 copies, including student name and study programme, to the exams office by 1 December in the third semester of studies.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.