Overview

Ensemble Studies I offers students an introduction to the study of repertoire, styles, performance skills, and professional practice in a group scenario. This entails forming ensembles, organising rehearsals, and researching styles and repertoire.

Assessment takes into consideration the individual contribution of each performer in the group, as well as how the ensemble performs collectively, including how each member of the group addresses challenges of collaboration and coordination.

By means of structured and guided performance workshops, students work in small groups and are provided with suggestions for performing a piece or improvising. The resulting music is performed before the entire class, and verbal feedback is given. The workshops include discussions on ensemble performance concepts, leading to practical experience and experimentation: various approaches to group performance and improvisation are explained and demonstrated. Additional supervised rehearsals are provided with a designated tutor. The tutor monitors progress and helps with feedback, suggestions, and encouragement. Students can apply the feedback in their daily practice in unsupervised group rehearsals and private study.

Assessment Strategy

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 with 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.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate appropriate communication skills.

• Develop an appropriate knowledge of best practices within ensemble performance, adjusting co- ordination, tempi, intonation, etc., in synergy with other members of the ensemble.

• Experiment with different musical materials, styles, and genres.

• Prepare and perform a mixed recital of ensemble repertoire to an appropriate standard.