The course covers skills that the student must master in order to conduct at a professional level.
The course is based on Conducting Technique and Repertoire/Score Study I.
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, the student is expected to
- possess conducting skills to be able to realise their artistic intentions
- have studied a broad repertoire and demonstrate insight into different styles and traditions
- be able to reflect on the interpretation of works for different ensembles from all periods relevant to their chosen specialisation
- be able to work conscientiously and independently on artistic projects over time
- have developed rehearsal techniques for different ensembles
- be able to communicate artistic ideas in a constructive and reflected manner
- be familiar with and reflective around professional ethics
Overview
Works are selected to allow the student to build as broad a repertoire as possible. Much of the course will be spent learning new repertoire and maintaining and developing existing repertoire. The student is expected to develop independence and evaluation skills when interpreting repertoire. Norwegian, Nordic and contemporary music should all be well represented alongside a broad international repertoire. Literature on arts and music policy should also be covered.
Most of the course is dedicated to
- learning and interpreting works from different periods
- technical exercises
- studying and analysing scores
- study techniques
- instrumental and vocal techniques
- interpretation and presentation
- conducting various different rehearsal ensembles
- performance preparation
- evaluating video/DVD recordings of own performances
- studying audio materials / recordings and literature. The student should choose the materials themselves under the guidance of their teacher.
Over the course of the academic year the NMH also organises various optional courses / specialist seminars on topics such as musicians’ health, performance preparation, freelancing, industry knowledge etc.
Structure
A variety of working methods and set-ups will be used. They include one-to-one tuition, classes, lectures, seminars, projects and study groups. Conducting different types of rehearsal ensembles and the student’s independent practice and study of materials (recordings, literature etc.) are key. Topics covered on the course will depend on the student’s specialisation. During the second module students specialising in orchestral/band conducting will conduct at least one project with a choir. Students specialising in choral conducting will conduct at least one project with an orchestra.
For a summary of expected progression, teaching hours and structure, please see the “Structure” section of the relevant programme of study.
Students are automatically enrolled for the course and exam in accordance with the progression described in the individual education plan.
Course requirements
Submit report signed by main teacher, to include
- exam programme of 40 minutes’ duration (maximum 45 minutes)
- summary of studied repertoire in different styles (minimum 360 minutes, including the 120 minutes of repertoire from the first module), at least one work must be with a soloist
- summary of conducting experience with rehearsa lensembles (scope: minimum 10 projects with different ensembles)
- summary of conducting activities on external and internal projects
- summary of participation in seminars
- summary of audio materials / recordings and literature studied
Deadline: The report should be digitally submitted to the examinations office by 15 April in the fourth semester of the course to eksamen@nmh.no
Final assessment
All course requirements must be met before the student can be given a final assessment.
The assessment is based on the learning objectives for the course. The final assessment is graded and is determined on the basis of a final recital at the end of the fourth year of study. The assessment is carried out by at least one external and two internal examiners, one of whom usually being the student’s main teacher. The examination committee should make a verbal statement on the student’s final recital.
Final recital
The final recital is usually held on the academy’s premises. Parts of the concert may be presented in a different format (DVD). The student and their main teacher should decide on the exam programme. In the event of a disagreement over the programme, the main teacher has the final say.
Duration: The student should conduct a programme lasting approx. 40 minutes (maximum 45 minutes).
In the case of re-assessment, the same procedures apply.