Humanities, University of Southampton

In this module students prepare two programmes, lasting 20 to 25 minutes, of instrumental, vocal, or mixed-ensemble music of their own choice, which is coached regularly by members of staff. Entry to this course, which extends over a year, is subject to approval of the work(s) to be studied.

Co-ordinator:  tbc

 The aims of this module are to:

• Prepare you to perform proficiently as an ensemble.
• Improve your technical and musical abilities as a group

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

• Technical problems and solutions on chosen instrument as they relate to the ensemble.
• Individual practice techniques
• Ensemble practice technique
• Stage presentation and audience communication.
• Repertoire of chosen ensemble.

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

• Ability to apply ensemble practice techniques to new repertoire.
• Structure rehearsal 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 in a professional manner.

 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)
• More experience being on stage.
• Greater awareness of how your instrument fits in to the ensemble and the various roles it can play (accompaniment vs. soloist).

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

• Ability to be self critical musically and technically.
• Ability to be critical of your ensemble members in a productive way.
• Ability to organise your rehearsal time efficiently.
• Ability to work and perform independently.
• Ability to work and perform with others.
• Ability to listen more intently and critically while you are playing.
• Ability to listen more effectively to what others in your group are saying.

 This module is designed for musicians to further advance their technical, musical, and listening skills on their chosen instrument by applying it to a chamber music context.  Your ensemble will be required to learn repertoire appropriate to your level and year.  You will develop your practice and rehearsal skills.  In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend and perform in lunchtime concerts and engage in workshops run by visiting musicians.  You will be required to give two assessed ensemble performances, one at the end of each semester.

This module allows students a good amount of small group 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.

 The ensemble has the opportunity to perform on the Friday lunchtime series as well as in their Performance Classes.

You will meet with your ensemble at least once a week in addition to regular coaching sessions with your instructor.  You will have the opportunity to perform on the Friday lunchtime series and in your Head of Studies class.  You will be expected to take part in workshops and masterclasses with visiting performers.  You will also learn while listening and observing lunchtime concerts.

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