Artist­ic Spe­cial­isa­tion I – Orches­tra

Course description

The course is an elective variation within the study programme that the students can choose as an alternative to the course Artistic specialisation I – main instrument. This option is eligible for master students playing an orchestra or band instrument as their principal instrument. The course is organised over two semesters and will contribute to developing relevant skills in order to prepare for a position as an orchestra or band musician. There will be a focus on the development of creative, reflective and holistic musicianship.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of the course, the student should demonstrate

• knowledge of the social mandate, goals and structure of a professional orchestra/band
• adaptation to a certain musical playing style and professional culture of an orchestra/a band
  
• proper conduct to the demands related to preparation and completion of artistic projects in a professional orchestra/band
  
• good skills through active participation, cooperation and communication within their own instrument group and as a participant of the entire ensemble
  
• skills in adapting and developing their contribution to artistic projects
  
• the use of intentional communication with an audience as an individual and as part of an ensemble
  
• good skills in preparing and performing authentic audition situations
  

Overview

1. Orchestra/band musician

Lectures and seminars about the social mandate, structure and up-to-date thoughts concerning artistic development in professional orchestras and bands operating in Oslo. Focus on critical reflection in relation to the competencies, artistic ambitions, roles, co-determination and co-responsibility relevant to the professional orchestra/band musician.

2. Ensemble playing and chamber music

The Orchestra musician in a practical setting – as a flexible, listening and initiating fellow musician. Ensembles of various ensemble sizes with students and main instrument teachers as part of the ensemble.

3. External practice in professional orchestras or bands, or internal practice in orchestra/ensembles at NMH

Guided practice in three projects (normally, each project will last for one week) in the Norwegian Radio Orchestra (KORK) or a professional band. Practice in professional orchestras/bands must be approved through an audition. You will be guided by selected musicians in the professional orchestra/band. Alternatively, guided practice can be done by participating in three approved orchestra, band or ensemble projects at NMH. In that case, the guidance will be provided by main instrument teachers and conductors working at NMH.

4. Audition training

Seminars with main instrument teachers, orchestra/band musicians and accompanists. Mental training, Excerpts from the relevant repertoire for orchestra/band, mandatory solo repertoire, ensemble rehearsals, how to act on stage and perform a mock audition.

Structure

The course is organised into four modules:

1. Orchestra/Band musician, a module of orientation and reflection
2. Ensemble playing and Chamber music
   
3. External practice in professional Orchestras or Bands, or internal practice in orchestra/ensembles at NMH
   
4. Audition training

1. Orchestra/band musician

Structure: three seminar days (four hours each day) + home assignments.

2. Ensemble playing and chamber music

Structure: Three intensive projects over two days that end up in concerts.

3. Guided practice in orchestra or band

Structure: normally, three orchestra projects (normally the projects will last for a week) in external practice in professional orchestras/bands or internal projects at NMH. Guided practice will be given either by musicians in professional orchestras/bands or by main instrument teachers at NMH (depending on approved audition).

4. Audition training

Structure: four seminar days (four hours each day) and final assignment. Mock audition with feedback from a committee consisting of representatives from professional orchestras/bands in Lindemansalen concert venue at NMH.

Course requirements

• The student must pass all four modules to receive a final assessment in the course.
• Active participation is mandatory in the modules Orchestra/Band musician and Audition training. More than 20 % absence in any of these modules will normally cause the student to fail the subject.
  
• The student must complete at least two of three project weeks in the module Ensemble playing and Chamber music.
  
• The student must submit two assignments on reflection in the module The Orchestra /band musician, and each assignment must be in the scope of 700–800 words.
  
• The student must have completed all the submissions within the due given by the course instructor on the learning platform Canvas.
  

Final assessment

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

The final assessment will be given as a «passed»/«failed» mark, which is determined by the course instructor and a team of teachers based on each student’s level of achievement throughout the course period.

Re-assessment

In the case of re-assessment, the student must pass the missing modules before the student is given a final assessment.