Postgraduate Music current course options

60 CAT Modules

Creative Project

This module consists of independent creative work undertaken by the student.

Method of Assessment:
EITHER:
a) Composition Portfolio Option, normally three extended compositions, which may explore contrasting media or specialise in a specific area of interest (e.g. notated composition, electroacoustic composition, sound installation, audio-visual work). Interdisciplinary and/or collaborative work is permitted with the agreement of the supervisor. The projects are accompanied by a critical self-evaluative commentary (c.3,000 words in total), and other forms of documentation (recordings, videos etc.) as appropriate.

b) A Creative Project, presenting a rigorous investigation through practical and theoretical research. The outcomes can be: a creative work (e.g. notated or electroacoustic composition, sound installation, audio-visual work, computer-based performance/improvisation, film, film score); or a research dissertation that contextualises and evaluates the creative work (7,500 words). It is expected that a provisional plan for the structure and contents of the creative project are agreed by the end of term two. Students must submit a written proposal (c. 500 words), accompanied by evidence of work completed up to that date.

Dissertation

The dissertation acts as focus of the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme, and gives students the opportunity to undertake genuinely original work, employing relevant research methods and building upon the advanced and systematic understandings developed in other elements of the programme. The dissertation can be in the form of a critical discussion of a problem in musicology, analysis, or an appropriate repertoire, or a critical edition of a musical document. Most work on the dissertation will be independent study, supported by frequent and individual consultation with the appointed supervisor throughout the academic year, with particular emphasis on term three.

Method of Assessment:
EITHER a critical discussion (not exceeding c.15,000 words) of: 1. A problem or debate in musicology or in contemporary and popular music studies; or 2. An analytical study; or 3. An appropriate repertoire, ranging over a coherent body of material, and including the evaluation of original source material as relevant.

OR a critical edition of a single musical document (manuscript or printed), including an editorial commentary and apparatus, and an introduction discussing any problems raised by the document, situating it within its historical and social context and including a critical discussion of the music or the musical issues involved (textual component not exceeding c. 10,000 words).

Ethnomusicology Major Project

This project acts as focus of the knowledge and skills acquired during the course and gives students the opportunity to undertake genuinely original work, employing relevant research methods, performance practices and technical skills that build on the advanced and systematic understandings developed in other elements of the programme. Most work on the major project will be independent study, supported by frequent and individual consultation with the appointed supervisor throughout the academic year, with particular emphasis on term three, as well as research seminars and practical workshops as applicable.

Method of Assessment:
EITHER
a) Dissertation Project – not exceeding c.15,000 words on an appropriate ethnomusicological topic. The dissertation project may be based on original field research or on library or archival materials. When based on fieldwork the dissertation is likely to include supplementary fieldwork materials. The dissertation is expected to include critical discussion of relevant theoretical issues, and transcription and analysis when appropriate.

OR b) Ethnographic Film Project – on a music topic of c. 30 minutes in length, together with a dissertation of c.7,500 words that contextualises and evaluates the process of ethnographic filmmaking.

OR c) Performance Project – students will prepare a performance of c. 30 minutes in length, with accompanying programme notes, and submit a dissertation of c. 7,500 words that contextualises and evaluates the performance practice.
 
The option and the research aims and constituent elements are agreed with the supervisor. Normally, it would be expected that students opting for b) will take the elective module ‘Ethnographic Film and Music Research’ and that students opting for c) will take the elective module ‘Performance as Research’.

MMus Recital

This one-year course is largely supported through intensive one-to-one lessons with an appropriate specialist instrumental or vocal tutor (to the equivalent of 27 hours teaching per year for a full-time student, pro rata for part-time students). The course also builds on performance work done elsewhere in the MMus programme (e.g. Strategies for Performance, Traditions of Practice). Lunchtime and evening public recitals presented by students allow valuable opportunities to present work in progress, prior to formal assessment. Masterclasses organised by the department provide further specialist feedback on individual performance skills, and a wide range of performance ensembles organised by the department (Sinfonia, Chamber Choir, Opera, etc) provide opportunities for developing ensemble skills, as well as offering the possibility of concerto performances for the most highly skilled students.

Method of Assessment: One assessed final recital, with a length of 40 minutes for singers and 50 minutes for instrumentalists. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to produce programme notes suitable for the performance, to a level commensurate with professional practice elsewhere.