Overview

The Principal Study Modules I, II and III, (Levels 4, 5 and 6 respectively) give students the opportunity to develop their specialist technical and musical skills, as well as focusing on aspects of physical and psychological development which underpin performance and creative practice, and aspects of professional development. In Principal Study I particular emphasis is placed on the development of technique, stagecraft, and recital programming.

Principal Study I runs across the academic year, accounting for 40 credits.

Participants of the module will prepare and perform a solo recital of 30 minutes, and deliver a 10-minute presentation on an aspect of professional development; there will also be a formative interim performance test lasting 10 minutes. Students will receive individual tuition from a designated teacher across the year together with regular performance workshops on topics such as practice techniques, musicianship, professional development, and injury prevention.

Assessment Strategy

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.

Very 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.

First class: 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

• Conceive a recital programme that illustrates a concept or musicological theme in a coherent way.

• Demonstrate an appropriate knowledge of style, command of technique and ability to communicate through performance.

• Demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the art of interpretation (how to structure a piece using key elements such as dynamics, articulations, tempi and performance practices).

• Develop an appropriate understanding of the issues facing performers, including: adopting efficient practising methods, working with accompanists (where appropriate) and dealing with performance anxiety.