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Artist­ic Spe­cial­isa­tion I — Prin­cip­al Instru­ment

  • Year of study: First year of study, over two semesters.
  • Final assessment: Assessment from the course instructor
  • Prerequisites: Admission to Master of Music Performance.
  • Language of instruction: Norwegian/English

Course description

This course is for students playing folk music instruments at the Master's of Music Performance in the concentration Performance and Research.

The course takes place over the first two semesters and facilitates the student's development as a performer and acquisition of a comprehensive repertoire, thus enabling the student to work as a professional music practitioner at a high level. Key aspects of the course include the development of the student's abilities of artistic self-expression as well as refinement of their musical presentation, communication, and technical skills.

Learning objectives

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

  • have acquired a specialised repertoire
  • show the ability to convey artistic expression and demonstrate advanced technical skills on their principal instrument
  • excel at conveying various forms of expression and be perceived as a knowledgeable musician
  • be able to work in an independent, purposeful and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges
  • be able to implement artistic projects alone and with others
  • show insight into and critically assess ethical norms and issues of a musical and professional nature

The students will be assessed based on the same learning objectives in the different variants of Artistic Specialisation. On completion of the course, Artistic Specialisation I – Principal Instrument, the student's progress in relation to the learning objectives will be assessed as satisfactory or not. On completion of the course Artistic Specialisation in the second year of the programme, the students will be assessed according to the learning objectives of the course.

Overview

The course covers the rehearsal and performance of a comprehensive, balanced repertoire. The individual student's/group's area of interest and personal musical preferences will be emphasised and challenged. The course will focus on the development of the students' artistic and technical skills in their principal instrument and their ability to convey musical expression. The repertoire is planned in collaboration with the principal instrument teacher(s). The repertoire will normally ba based on the folk music from Norway. The student's participation in external concerts/tours can, after consideration and agreement, be approved as part of the work related to the course. An agreement regarding this should be made in advance. Normally, the repertoire for this course may not comprise any part of the courses Master's Project I or II.

Most of the course is comprised of the student's work with

  • rehearsing and interpreting repertoire that normally is new for the student (duration: 60 minutes)
  • developing, preparing and implementing public performances (duration: 45 minutes)
  • relevant literature (including material from artistic development work and research)
  • interpretation seminars, class instruction and interpretation classes

Structure

The solo-based version is primarily conducted individually with necessary assistance from fellow player(s). The ensemble-based version is primarily conducted in fixed ensembles. Additionally, class lessons and interpretation lessons will be arranged, which it is expected that the student participates in. A variety of interpretation seminars will also be organized. The instruction is provided by multiple teachers.

For an overview of recommended teaching load and organization, refer to the "Organization" section in the description of each study program.

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. Public performance

Students will perform a repertoire with a playing time of at least 45 minutes. If so desired, the repertoire may be divided into several performances. Minimum half of the repertoire will normally be performed in venues outside the Academy.

Performances must be documented (audio or video) if the principal instrument teacher is not able to attend the performance. Students choose the form and format of the documentation. The student is also responsible for organising the practical aspects of the performance(s) as well as for the recording, promotion costs (posters, programmes, etc.), production and other costs.

Deadline: By May 15th in the second semester of the program, public performances must be completed, and the repertoire report should be submitted to the examination office.

2. Folk music interpretation

The student is required to perform at least once during the first three semesters, and to attend a minimum of 50 percent of the sessions. Folk Music Interpretation is shared by bachelor's and master's students.

3. Folk music forum

The student must attend a minimum of 50 percent of the sessions. The Folk Music Forum is shared by bachelor's and master's students.

4. Ensemble project

Mandatory participation in one ensemble project per academic year if necessary.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining a final assessment.

The student will be assessed on the basis of the learning objectives for the course as described in this course description in the paragraph for Learning objectives. The final assessment is given as a pass/fail mark which is determined by the course instructor based on the student's level of achievement throughout the course period.

New assessment

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

Study component

Published: Sep 22, 2021 — Last updated: Aug 28, 2023