- Leads to qualification: Master of Music
- ECTS: 120 credits – two-year full-time studies.
Admission requirements
Bachelor's degree in Music or equivalent qualification with a minimum of 80 credits in Music Performance courses and/or music creation/composition courses. The qualifying level demonstrated at the audition must, at minimum, be equivalent to the graduation requirements of a four-year performance and/or creative bachelor's degree in music at the Norwegian Academy of Music.
Programme description
The Master of Music with Individual Conentration is a two-year advanced music education designed to develop skilled and independent musicians. The programme comprises a total of 120 ECTS credits. During the programme, the student is required to complete a master's project, an independent work focusing on a self-chosen topic/repertoire area. The master's project is based on a project description that the student develops during the first year of study.
The programme is structured so that the student builds a collection of materials throughout their studies, which can be assembled into a portfolio. This material may include recordings of performances, repertoire lists, descriptions and reflections on their chosen specialization and role as a musician, promotional materials (e.g., CV, biography, photos, flyers), and more.
This study programme is suitable for students who wish to place a strong emphasis on shaping their own artistic profile. It is specifically designed for those with projects and ideas that are difficult to realise within other study programmes. The programme is not tied to any specific genre. A limited number of students are admitted to the programme.
Learning objectives
Students graduating with the Master of Music with Individual Concentration (FRIMA)
- ability to realise and convey their artistic intentions with a clear profile
- independence in meeting demanding artistic challenges and by initiating, implementing and directing a variety of projects
- ability to meet the demands of music life and the music industry
- ability to use their role as musicians to promote innovation and new ways of thinking
- application of acquired knowledge in order to expand their musical perspective and conduct independent, artistic development activity
- ability to analyse and discuss issues in the music field from both a historical and a contemporary point of departure
- reflective views on issues in the music field, and the ability to articulate and discuss these in a thoughtful manner, both within the music community and in the public sphere
- skills of analyses and critical assessment of material from artistic development activity and research, and the ability to use this in their own work
- insight and critical assessment of ethical norms and issues of a musical and professional nature
Organisation
The study programme consists of instructor-led classroom instruction, academic supervision and independent study in connection with this instruction.
As a general rule, class attendance at the Academy is not compulsory. However, there are certain courses in which attendance is required. The reason for this is that the activity in the classroom itself provides students with experiences that lead to insight, understanding and skills in the subject area, although this expertise cannot be documented/demonstrated on a test or examination. The individual course descriptions specify whether class attendance is compulsory
Study credits are used as the unit of measure to express the scope of the courses in the study programme. The complete Master's degree programme consists of 120 credits. One year of full-time study is equal to 60 credits. One credit corresponds to 27–30 hours of work, including classroom instruction and independent work.
Assessment
The Academy’s course portfolio is comprised of courses that use the marks “pass/fail” and courses that use marks on a scale of A to F, where E is the lowest passing mark. The individual course descriptions state which system of marks will be used.
Additional provisions on assessment and examination are laid down in Chapter VI of the Regulations governing the study programmes at the Norwegian Academy of Music(lovdata.no).
A diploma will be issued when the student has passed all the courses required for a degree. All courses which are part of the study programme, as well as the marks and number of credits, will be stated on the diploma. The title of the Master’s Project will also be stated on the diploma.
Exchange
At the Academy, we facilitate the opportunity to go on an exchange as part of your degree. We have exchange agreements with Europe's leading institutions, as well as with exciting and highly ranked music education programmes across the globe. Going on an exchange will therefore not result in a prolonged study period, as one or two semesters abroad will replace tuition you normally would follow at the Norwegian Academy of Music during this time. If you want to go on an exchange during the first year of your Master's programme, you must apply for this before you know whether or not you have been admitted to the programme. It is also possible to travel during your 2nd year of Master's.
Find out more about how, where and when to exchange on NMHs web site (student.nmh.no).
Education quality assurance
The Academy has a system for educational quality assurance and development that applies to all aspects of the education provided. Students play a vital role in these efforts by, among other things,
participating in student evaluations of courses and programmes.
Read about the Education Quality Assurance System on our web page (student.nmh.no)