Prin­ciple Instru­ment I

Course description

This course is for piano students.

The course takes place over the first four semesters of the study programme and focuses on self-development as a performer and repertoire study in different genres with particular attention paid to the characteristics of selected genres. Developing the student’s technical skills with focus on practice techniques and practising how to perform repertoire alone and together with others are key aspects of the course.

The course is followed by Principal instrument II (UTHO20).

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the student is expected to

• have the instrumental skills needed to realise musical intentions
• demonstrate an understanding of styles, artistic expression and creativity
• be able to perform music in different settings and introduce it to an audience
• have acquired a repertoire that covers different genres and traditions
• be able to work conscientiously alone and together with others
• master appropriate techniques for learning and practising repertoire

Overview

The works should be carefully chosen to enable the student to build a repertoire that is as broad as possible based on their technical skill and interests. Much of the course will be spent learning new repertoire and maintaining and developing existing repertoire. Norwegian, Nordic and contemporary music should all be represented. Some of the repertoire studied in Chamber Music could form part of the combined principal instrument repertoire for the final recital. The student is expected to develop independence and evaluation skills when interpreting repertoire.

Most of the course is dedicated to:

Principal instrument study

• Learning repertoire
• Technical exercises
• Interpretation and presentation
• Practice and interpretation techniques
• Studying audio materials / recordings and literature. The student should choose the materials themselves under the guidance of their teacher

Forum and interpretation

• Historically informed performance, instrument and repertoire studies
• Training in assessing and commenting verbally on own performances and those of others
• Training in audience communication, both musical and verbal
• Awareness of what makes a good performance

The following topic is part of the course

Rehearsal technique for pianists:

• The topic covers rehearsal techniques and how to use memorising and practice routines in this context. The student is trained in Prima vista and the ability to quickly recognise musical patterns in different musical textures and reduction of a musical piece (e.g. orchestral reduction, creating accompaniment arrangements etc.).

Structure

A variety of working methods and set-ups will be used. Key are the student’s independent practice and study of materials (recordings, literature etc.) linked to the practice process. Several concert and performance opportunities will be provided.

Principal Instrument

• Weekly one-to-one tuition and classes with principal instrument teacher.

Forum and interpretation

• Weekly lessons taught by multiple NMH teachers or by guest teachers.

Rehearsal technique for pianists

• Weekly and/or more concentrated periods of lessons. It is expected that the students work independently with the assignments and that they are able to implement the principles to their own rehearsal technique.

Students are automatically enrolled for the course and exam according to the progression described in their individual education plans.

Course requirements

1. Mandatory participation in

• Rehearsal technique for pianists

Attendance is monitored by the co-ordinator/course tutor and active participation is expected.

2. Mandatory participation in forum and interpretation

• Active participation is expected.

Attendance is monitored by the co-ordinator / course tutor.

3. Mandatory participation in at least one concert in the first two years

• The concerts should be organised by the NMH unless otherwise agreed.

5. Submit principal instrument report signed by principal instrument teacher, to include

• exam programme of 40 minutes’ duration
• summary of repertoire studied of at least 60 minutes’ duration
• summary of participation in concerts and seminars
• summary of supporting literature studied

Deadline: The report should be digitally submitted to the examinations office by 15 April in the fourth semester of the course at 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 Year 2. The assessment is carried out by least two internal examiners. 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. The student and their principal instrument teacher should decide on the concert programme. In the event of a disagreement over the programme, the principal instrument teacher has the final say.

Duration: Approx. 40 minutes

New assessment

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