- Year of study: Years 1 and 2, over the first three semesters (autumn, spring, autumn).
- Final assessment: Assessment by the course instructor.
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music Performance Degree Programme.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.
Course description
This course is for students in the Master’s Degree Programme in Music Performance – Traditional Nordic Folk Music.
The course takes place in the first three semesters, and facilitates the student’s development as a performer and acquisition of an extensive repertoire, thus enabling the student to work as a professional musician at a high level. Key aspects of the course include development of the students’ ability to express themselves artistically as well as refinement of their technical skills and skills in musical presentation and communication.
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, it is expected that the student will
- have acquired an extensive and varied repertoire
- show artistic expression and demonstrate advanced instrument techniques
- master a range of music practices, demonstrating presentation skills and knowledge
- be able to work in an independent, targeted and thoughtful manner with artistic challenges
- be able to complete artistic projects alone and with others
- be critically aware of ethical issues related to their discipline, and obtain professional work ethics
Overview
The course covers the rehearsal and performance of an extensive, balanced repertoire. The individual student’s/group’s area of interest and personal musical preferences will be highlighted but will at the same time be challenged. The course will focus on development of the students’ artistic and technical skills on their principal instrument and their ability to convey musical expression. The repertoire is planned in cooperation with the principal instrument teacher. The repertoire must normally be based on traditional folk music from Norway. After further assessment and by agreement, the student’s participation in external concerts/tours may be approved as part of the course requirements. This must be agreed upon in advance. The repertoire may normally not be included as part of the course Master’s Project.
Most of the course is comprised of the student’s work with
- rehearsing and interpreting repertoire that normally is new for the student (duration: 160 minutes)
- developing, preparing and completing public performances (duration: 120 minutes)
- relevant literature, including material from artistic development work and research
- interpretation seminar, class instruction and interpretation classes
Structure
The solo-based variant is implemented primarily individually with necessary assistance provided by fellow musicians. The ensemble-based variant is implemented primarily in set ensembles. Students are also expected to participate in classes and interpretation seminars arranged by various instrument groups or departments. Several interpretation seminars will be arranged as well. Instruction is provided by several teachers.
Structure and recommended scope of instruction and expected progression are further outlined (under Organisation) in the programme curriculum.
Students are 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 120 minutes. If so desired, the repertoire may be divided into several performances. No less than half of the repertoire must be performed on 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.
2. Repertoire report
Students will submit a repertoire report over at least 180 minutes learned repertoire. The report must list public performances of no less than 120 minutes. The report must be signed by the student and principal instrument teacher.
Deadline: Performances must be finished, and the report submitted to the Exams Office, no later than 1 December in the third semester of studies.
3. Traditional Music Interpretation
Students must play at least 1 time and participate in a minimum of 50% of the classes. Traditional Music Interpretation is for all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
4. Traditional Nordic Music Forum
Students must play at least one time and participate in a minimum of 50 per cent of the classes. Traditional Nordic Music Forum is common for all students at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
5. Ensemble project
Participation in one ensemble project, if needed.
Final assessment
All course requirements must be approved prior to obtaining final assessment.
Assessment is based on learning objectives. 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.