Humanities, University of Southampton

Students prepare a solo programme (e.g. a piano recital) or may work with an accompanist (e.g. a pianist or harpsichordist) or a small accompanying group (e.g. a continuo ensemble, or a rhythm section).

Co-ordinator:  tbc

 The aims of this module are to:

• Prepare you to perform proficiently as a soloist or accompanist.
• Improve your technical and musical abilities on your chosen instrument

 Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Technical problems and solutions on chosen instrument.
• Individual practice techniques
• Ensemble practice technique (with accompanists)
• Stage presentation and audience communication.
• Repertoire of chosen instrument.

 Having successfully completed this module you will have the following cognitive skills:

• Ability to apply practice techniques to new repertoire.
• Structure practice sessions effectively.
• Self-evaluate in practice and rehearsal to continue to improve.
• Argue for or against a musical or stylistic approach to a piece in your repertoire.

 Having successfully completed this module you will have the following practical, subject-specific skills:

• Greater musical control of your instrument (including dynamic range, colour range, shape and structure, and phrasing).
• Greater technical control of your instrument (facility, pitch range, flexibility, tone control, muscular coordination)

 Having successfully completed this module you will have the following key transferable skills:

• Ability to be self critical musically and technically.
• Ability to organise your time efficiently.
• Ability to work and perform independently.
• Ability to listen more intently and critically.

You will meet with your instructors individually and will be required to learn repertoire appropriate to your level and year.  You will attend lunchtime concerts and engage in workshops run by visiting musicians, the faculty, and your Heads of Studies.  At the end of the year you will be required to give an assessed performance. 

 This module allows students a significant amount of one-to-one tuition with an expert in their field.  In addition the lunchtime concert series and related workshops allow you to be exposed to a variety of viewpoints, genres, and ideas in addition to those of the regular faculty.

 You will have the opportunity to perform in optional lunchtime concerts, workshops, and Performance Classes and receive informal feedback from various members of the faculty.

 Teaching will be delivered in individual lessons with a specialist teacher and Performance Classes run by the Heads of Studies.  You will also learn while listening and observing lunchtime concerts, taking part in workshops and masterclasses with visiting performers, and while rehearsing with accompanists (if appropriate for your programme).

Library contains many helpful resources for music students.  The students can access music manuscripts, historical anthologies, and recordings in the library.  Recordings come both in the form of CDs and also online through the Naxos Music Library.   

 www.naxosmusiclibrary.com