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Artist Dip­loma – Mas­ter of Music Per­form­ance

  • Leads to qualification: Master of Music in Performance.
  • ECTS: 120 credits – two years of full-time study.

Admission requirements

Admission to the programme requires completion of a Bachelor of Music degree (or equivalent as recognized by the Norwegian Academy of Music) with a minimum of 80 credits (ECTS equivalent) in Performance subjects. Entrance examinations appropriate for the individual specialisation will be administered to applicants. At the audition the applicant must demonstrate a high level of performance skills and outstanding qualifications for pursuit of a soloist or chamber music performance career.

Programme description

The Artist Diploma - Master of Music Performance Degree Programme is open to accomplished musicians, singers, and established chamber ensembles. The programme is designed to provide a high-quality, advanced music education for exceptionally talented musicians and singers who wish to pursue a soloist or chamber music profession. A chamber music ensemble may only be admitted and must complete the programme, as a fixed, established ensemble. During the programme, students will propose and complete an individual Artist Diploma Project. At the end of two years of study, the students give a final presentation of their Diploma Project, demonstrating performance as a soloist or chamber music ensemble at a high international level.

The programme comprises a total of 120 study credits and leads to a Master of Music degree in Performance.

Learning objectives

Students graduating with the Artist Diploma - Master of Music Performance Degree demonstrate:

  • artistic expression, performance skills and technical ability at a high international level when playing their principal instrument
  • ability to realize and convey artistic intentions with a clear profile
  • independence and autonomy when meeting demanding artistic challenges, as well as by initiating, implementing and directing a variety of projects
  • the ability to engage in a music sphere and a music industry undergoing change
  • ability to use their role as musicians to promote innovation and new ways of thinking
  • ability to apply their knowledge to expand their musical perspective and conduct independent, artistic development activity
  • ability to analyse and discuss issues in the music field from both an historical and a contemporary point of departure
  • ability to articulate and discuss issues in the music field in a thoughtful, reflective manner, both within the music community and in the public sphere
  • ability to analyse and critically assess material from artistic development activity and research, and to use this in their own work
  • understanding and skills for critical assessment of ethical norms and issues of a musical and professional nature.

Organisation

The study programme comprises

  • principal study (90 credits)
  • complimentary/elective courses (30 credits)

The study programme consists of teacher-led classroom instruction, academic supervision and independent study in connection with this instruction.

As a general rule, class attendance at the Academy is not compulsory. However, there are certain courses in which attendance is required. The reason for this is that the activity in the classroom in itself provides students with experiences that lead to insight, understanding and skills in the subject area although this expertise cannot be documented/demonstrated on a test or examination. The individual course descriptions specify whether class attendance is compulsory.

Read about absences and leaves of absence

Students whose principal instrument is an orchestral instrument may be admitted to the elective course Orchestra Internship [CJS2] , which involves playing with the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra or the Oslo Philharmonic. The course comprises 15 credits and lasts throughout both years of studies. It is recommended that string players who are not admitted to this practicum select Orchestral Section Leading in the Academy’s symphony orchestra as an elective course.

Study credits are used as the unit of measure to express the scope of the courses in the study programme. The complete Master’s degree programme is 120 credits. One year of full-time study is equal to 60 credits. One credit corresponds to 27-30 hours of work including classroom instruction and independent work.

Attachment 1: Instruction organisation and practical guidelines

Artist Diploma - Master’s candidates must have a programme coordinator with overall responsibility for monitoring area of study and for the students’ individualised course plans and progression. A teachers’ team with overall responsibility may be established for the individual specialisations. The programme coordinator/teachers’ team organises two achievement reviews with each student, normally at the beginning of the second and fourth semesters of studies. The achievement reviews may address topics such as the students’ goals and plans for the Master’s degree programme, their study progression and their thoughts about professional life following completion of studies. An overview of expected completion dates for course requirements and final assessment for the various specialisations has been drawn up.

Attachment 2: Overview of the various course requirements and final assessment.

Assessment

Courses at the Academy use one of the following two grading systems (with the exception of non-credit courses):

  • Final mark of “passed” or “failed”.
  • Final mark on a scale of A to F, where E is the lowest passing mark.

The individual course descriptions must state which system of marking will be used.

Additional provisions on assessment and examination are laid down in Chapter VI of the Regulations Governing the Programmes of Study at the Norwegian Academy of Music (lovdata.no).

A diploma will be issued when the student has passed all the courses required for a degree. All courses which are part of the study programme, as well as the marks and number of credits, will be stated on the diploma. The title of the Graduate Diploma Project will also be stated on the diploma.

Education quality assurance

The Academy has a system for educational quality assurance and development that applies to all aspects of the education provided. Students play a vital role in these efforts by, among other things, participating in student evaluations of courses and programmes.

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Sep 20, 2022