Overview

The module Solo Performance (Year 3) provides students with the opportunity to advance and refine their specialist technical and musical skills, as well as focusing on aspects of physical and psychological development which underpin performance and creative practice. This module runs across the academic year, accounting for 40 credits.

Participants of the module will prepare and perform a public recital of 40 minutes’ duration, featuring stylistically-diverse solo repertoire from different periods. They will also submit programme notes to accompany the recital, and give an oral presentation on the chosen repertoire. Individual instrumental or vocal tuition will be accompanied by workshops in which the students will address and discuss advanced questions relating to repertoire choices, rehearsal strategies, performance practices (including historically-informed performance), presentation skills and the preparation of programme notes.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold: D- to D+: The performance displays basic musicality and technique; there is limited attention to relevant notational and stylistic demands and restricted attention to interpretive values. The text-based work displays scant knowledge of the subject, with simple ability at conceptual thought, and a limited awareness of issues, but has some evidence of a generally intellectual approach, with fair expression.

Good: C- to B+: The performance is persuasive, displaying good levels of interpretive ability, musicality and technique, together with overall attention to relevant notational and stylistic demands. The text-based work displays a sound grasp of the subject, a satisfactory level of conceptual thought, awareness of the main issues, with evidence of intellectual acumen and good expression.

Excellent: A- to A*: The performance is compelling and convincing, displaying advanced levels of interpretive ability, musicality and technique, together with evidence of careful attention to relevant notational and stylistic demands. The text-based work displays a thorough grasp of the subject, with evidence of broader contextual study, deeper thought, originality of approach and excellent written skills.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to conceive a recital that illustrates a concept or musicological theme in a coherent way.

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to demonstrate consistent attention to articulation, dynamic range, and expression.

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to engage with performance practices pertinent in the repertoire.

• Upon successful completion of the module, a student will be able to justify musical choices of repertoire, performance practice and problem solving via an oral presentation and programme notes.