- Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over three semesters (autumn, spring, autumn).
- Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructor.
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Performance Degree Programme.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.
Course description
This course is for students in the following degree programme and concentration in Master of Music in Performance – Opera Répétiteur.
The course covers the rehearsal and performance of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. Key aspects of the course include the development of the student’s abilities of artistic self-expression as well as refinement of her or his musical presentation, communication, and technical skills.
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, the student will:
- Have acquired a comprehensive, balanced repertoire.
- Show the ability to convey artistic expression and demonstrate advanced technical skills on her/his principal instrument.
- Excel at conveying various forms of musical presentation and be perceived as a knowledgeable musician.
- Be able to work in an independent, purposeful and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges.
- Display strong musical leadership and communication skills.
- Show insight into and ability to critically assess ethical norms and issues of a music-related and professional nature.
Overview
The course covers the rehearsal of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. The course will focus on the development of the students’ artistic and technical skills on their principal instrument and on their communication and musical presentation abilities. The repertoire is planned in cooperation with the principal instrument teacher(s) and will be linked with the student’s practicum in the course.
Most of the course is comprised of the student’s work with
- rehearsal and performance of an opera/theatre music repertoire from various eras, such as piano versions of orchestral movements, scores, basso continuo, concert repertoire, recitatives
- rehearsal techniques and playing a prima vista
- class instruction and interpretation classes and interpretation seminars
- secondary instrument if needed (keyboard)
- relevant literature, including material from artistic development work and research
- practicum with the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet
Structure
The course is organised as individual, weekly instruction on the student’s principal instrument, as well and group instruction on rehearsing and playing a prima vista. Students are also expected to participate in classes and interpretation seminars arranged by various instrument groups or departments. Week-long interpretation seminars will be arranged as well. Instruction is provided by several teachers.
Most of the course centres around a practicum with the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, the Norwegian Academy of Music and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. Potential forms of practice include participating in masterclasses and opera concerts at the Norwegian Academy of Music, providing accompaniment for voice instruction at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts and playing at choir auditions for the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The repertoire and the extent of the practicum must be approved by the main instructor.
Structure and recommended scope of instruction and expected progression are further outlined (under Organisation) in the programme curriculum.
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. Practicum
Students must participate in a mandatory practicum (duration: 10 hours per week over three semesters), divided as follows:
- Masterclasses, opera concerts, voice instruction/interpretation, staging rehearsals, playing with the orchestra at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts (duration: eight hours of instruction per week over two semesters, normally held during the first and second semesters of studies).
- Masterclasses, opera concerts, voice instruction/interpretation, playing with the orchestra at the Norwegian Academy of Music (duration: two hours of instruction per week over two semesters, normally held during the first and second semesters of studies).
- Choir auditions, coaching of vocalists, masterclasses, staging rehearsals, playing with the orchestra at the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet (duration: 10 hours per week, normally held during the third semester of studies).
2. Repertoire report
Students will submit a report including
- an overview of the repertoire that was rehearsed and performed (scope: a minimum of 5 operas as well as several opera scenes)
- overview of the repertoire rehearsed with various musicians/ensembles
- overview of participation in concerts
- overview of venues
The repertoire report must be signed by the student and principal instrument teacher.
Deadline: Reports must be submitted to the Exams Office no later than 1 December of the third semester of studies.
3. Interpretation seminar
Students must participate in a minimum of 1 interpretation seminar during the course.
Deadline: All course requirements must be approved by 1 December in the third 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 instructor based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.
New assessment
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.