Module WXP-3248:
Instrument/Singing Studies (We
Instrument/Singing Studies (Western) 2023-24
WXP-3248
2023-24
School Of Arts, Culture And Language
Module - Semester 1 & 2
20 credits
Module Organiser:
Iwan Llewelyn Jones
Overview
This module is for players of Western instruments and singers in Western classical styles undertaking the Bridging Year component of approved Study Abroad programmes. It is designed to initiate, and develop students in approaches to solo and ensemble performance from a variety of genres and cultures. Students will receive 1-to-1 lessons on their own instrument or voice with a designated tutor; they will also and attend solo and ensemble performance workshops across the year. The Assessment schedule comprises an Ensemble Performance (50%) lasting 12 minutes (Semester 1) , and a Solo Performance (50%) lasting 10 minutes (Semester 2).
N.B. This module is intended for Bridging Year students from other institutions, and is not available to students on Bangor University degree programmes.
This module is for players of Western instruments and singers in Western classical styles undertaking the Bridging Year component of approved Study Abroad programmes. It is designed to initiate, and develop students in approaches to solo and ensemble performance from a variety of genres and cultures.
Students will receive 1-to-1 lessons on their own instrument or voice to develop and advance their technical and interpretative skills.
In addition, they will participate in an ensemble, using their own instrument and instruments from the School’s collection of world instruments. They will also and attend solo and ensemble performance workshops across the year.
The Assessment schedule comprises an Ensemble Performance (50%) lasting 15 minutes (Semester 1) , and a Solo Performance (50%) lasting 10 minutes (Semester 2).
Assessment Strategy
Assessment Criteria for Ensemble Performance:
Threshold -D– to D+: Performances which demonstrate poorly developed musicality and technique, with limited contribution to and interaction with other members of the ensemble. The mark will be limited to this level by such criteria as: insufficient knowledge of individual and group working processes, limited evidence of the application of pedagogical research, and lack of critical analysis and reflection with regard to the study and execution of ensemble performance.
Good -C– to B+: Performances which are persuasive, displaying good levels of ability in musicality and technique, with effective contribution to and interaction with other members of the ensemble. Marks awarded across this category will be influenced by such criteria as: sound knowledge of individual and group working processes, effective communication of ideas and arguments with considerable evidence of the application of pedagogical research and critical reflection with regard to the study and execution of ensemble performance.
Excellent -A- to A**: Performances which are compelling and convincing, displaying high levels of musical and technical ability, and which demonstrate a very strong (but not overbearing) contribution to and interaction with other members of the ensemble. Marks awarded across this category will be influenced by such criteria as: a comprehensive and confident knowledge of individual and group working processes with robust evidence of the application of pedagogical research and critical reflection with regard to the study and execution of ensemble performance
Assessment Criteria for Solo Performance:
Threshold -D– to D+ (40%-49%) The performance demonstrates a basic grasp of technique and stylistic awareness appropriate to the repertoire chosen. It will typically be limited by consistent weakness in aspects such as technical control; projection of rhythm, tempi, dynamics and articulations; coordination with an accompanist; and stagecraft.
Good: C– to C+ (50%-59%) The performance will demonstrate a good grasp of technique, presented without significant breaks or errors, and the interpretation will demonstrate some understanding of stylistic practices. The composer’s criteria of rhythm, dynamics and pitch will be partially fulfilled, though there will be inaccuracies (the performance may not be entirely secure) and inconsistencies in coordination with the accompanist.
Good: B– to B+ (60%-69%) The performance is focused and demonstrates some original thought, a consistent technique, and an attempt to use rhythmic and dynamic control as a means of creative communication in accordance with the composer’s intentions and the style of the chosen repertoire. There may be minor inaccuracies of pitch and rhythm, although these will not have disturbed the performance. The performance will reflect a satisfactory rapport with the accompanist.
Excellent: A– and A (70%-83%) The performance demonstrates well-developed technical and interpretative skills and will reflect an understanding of the historical issues and performance practice concerns in the repertoire studied. In addition, the student will demonstrate clearly developed creative understanding, and an ability to make original and convincing interpretative decisions. The student will communicate effectively with the accompanist and project the performance with conviction.
Excellent: A+ to A** (84%-100%) A performance in this category will demonstrate all the features of the A– to A category, in addition to a level of musicianship in which technical demands are integrated into an expressive performance where research into the repertoire, style, and context has contributed to an individual realisation of the work(s) performed.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate applied knowledge of world music cultures and instruments through performance
- Demonstrated mastery of their instrument or voice commensurate with Level 6
- Developed high level skills in ensemble performance
- Developed high level skills of collaborative musical arrangement, of teamwork and musical communication
Assessment method
Demonstration/Practice
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Ensemble Performance (50%) • 15 minutes duration • Date to be specified in Week 12 of Semester 1 • Assessing Learning Outcomes 2-4
Weighting
50%
Assessment method
Demonstration/Practice
Assessment type
Summative
Description
Solo Performance (50%) • 10 minutes duration • To be held during the Assessment Period of Semester 2 • Assessing Learning Outcome 1
Weighting
50%