Module overview
This module offers a practical introduction to leading music ensembles within education contexts. Skills covered include arranging for, rehearsing and performing with ensembles of singers and instruments from beginners to professionals. It is particularly aimed at helping students interested in developing skills and techniques for working in community music or music education settings.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- critical familiarity with a range of specific techniques for arranging music for groups of singers and/or instrumentalists of various abilities
- critical familiarity with a range of specific techniques of rehearsing groups of singers and/or instrumentalists of various abilities
- conducting techniques and/or ways of directing ensembles appropriate to the idiom (e.g. directing from the piano)
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally
- give and receive feedback in group situations
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- a range of ways of rehearsing with singers and/or instrumentalists of various levels
- different leadership approaches suitable for working with musicians of varying standards
- reflect on your own approach to musical leadership
- a range of ways of arranging music for groups of singers and/or instrumentalists of various abilities
Syllabus
Indicative topics might include:
- Digital engagement for groups of musicians
- Choral and instrumental arranging for amateurs and professionals
- Selecting choral and instrumental repertoire
- Music leadership styles
- Choosing appropriate rehearsal techniques and skill development strategies (warm ups etc) for groups of musicians
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
Practical classes and workshops
Small group tutorials
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Practical classes and workshops | 20 |
| Independent Study | 264 |
| Tutorial | 4 |
| Lecture | 12 |
| Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Andrea Creech, Donald A. Hodges, Susan Hallam (2021). Routledge International Handbook of Music Psychology in Education and the Community.
Frank Abrahams and Paul D. Head (2017). The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy. Oxford University Press.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | 30% |
| Practical | 30% |
| Arrangement | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Portfolio | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal