Course syllabus

Music Performance, Classical Music - Interpretation I, Second Cycle, 30 credits

Course code: MG019A Credits: 30
Main field of study: Musical Interpretation Progression: AXX
    Last revised: 14/10/2021
Education cycle: Second cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 21/11/2019 Reading list approved: 14/10/2021
Valid from: Autumn semester 2022 Revision: 2

Aims and objectives

General aims for second cycle education

Second-cycle courses and study programmes shall involve the acquisition of specialist knowledge, competence and skills in relation to first-cycle courses and study programmes, and in addition to the requirements for first-cycle courses and study programmes shall

  • further develop the ability of students to integrate and make autonomous use of their knowledge
  • develop the students' ability to deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations, and
  • develop the students' potential for professional activities that demand considerable autonomy, or for research and development work.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 9)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student shall have

  • knowledge and understanding of the possibilities and limitations in the relationship between the interpreter and the score,
  • an expanded knowledge of the solo and chamber music repertoir for his/her instrument/voice, and
  • a developed comprehension of the function of the different parts in a chamber music ensemble and how they interact.

Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student shall

  • be able to learn, interpret, rehearse and perform music from different eras with a high degree of independent problem solving,
  • be able to make informed artistic decisions, and
  • be able to formulate and reflect upon an artistic question relevant for his/her own practise.

Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student shall be able to

  • approach and evaluate his/her and others artistic expression in a reflective manner,
  • constructively evaluate his/her instrumental and artistic progress, and
  • evaluate different interpretation options in solo and chamber music repertoire.

Main content of the course

Instrument, 15 Credits

  • Individual lessons
  • Rehearsals with pianist
  • Concerts
  • Recording and sound technique
  • Artistic communication seminars

Chamber music, 7,5 Credits

  • Ensemble lessons
  • Interpretation seminars
  • Concerts

Swedish Chamber Music from Stenhamma until today, 7,5 Credits

  • Interpretation seminars
  • Score analysis
  • History of 20th century Swedish chamber music
  • Written reflection

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of individual lessons, seminars, group lessons and ensemble lessons.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Instrument

Instrument/Voice, 15 credits (Code: A001)
Examination through presentation, accounting and concerts.

Chamber music

Chamber Music, 7.5 credits (Code: A002)
Examination through presentation, accounting and concerts.

Swedish Chamber Music from Stenhamma until today

Swedish Chamber Music from Stenhammar until Today, 7.5 credits (Code: A003)
Examination through presentation, accounting and a written reflection.


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Instrument/Voice
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Chamber Music
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Swedish Chamber Music from Stenhammar until Today
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To pass the whole course, at least the grade E is required for each examination.

The letter Grades A-E will be converted to numbers 5-1 and combined to an average grade, where the number of credits for each examination also are taken in to account. A weighted average grade of the course modules will thus be reported for the whole course.

Grade A is given when the average mark is at least 4.5.
Grade B is given when the average mark is at least 3.5 but lower than 4.5.
Grade C is given when the average mark is at least 2.5 but lower than 3.5.
Grade D is given when the average mark is at least 1.5 but lower than 2.5.
Grade E is given when the average mark is lower than 1.5.

In order to receive the final course grade A or B, the student must have received the grade A or B on the sub-courses Main instrument, and at least the grade E on the remaining sub-courses.

Specific entry requirements

A Degree of Bachelor in Music or a Degree of Master in Education in Music. In addition the student will be required to pass a proficiency test assessing musical knowledge and skills. If the student has a Degree of Master in Music no entrance test will be necessary. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The language of instruction is English.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Western art music, selected in consultation with the teachers.

Williamon, Aaron (2004).
Musical excellence: strategies and techniques to enhance performance
Oxford : Oxford University Press, ISBN/ISSN: 0-19-852534-6, 300 sidor, selected chapters to be read.

Additional Reading

Barenboim, Daniel (2008).
Everything is connected : the power of music
London : Weidenfeld & Nicolson, ISBN/ISSN: 0-297-85544-1, 216 pages

Bernstein, Leonard (1976).
The unanswered question : six talks at Harvard
Cambridge, Mass : Harvard Univ. Press, ISBN/ISSN: 0-674-92000-7, 428 pages

Hambraeus, Bengt (1997).
Aspects of twentieth century performance practice: memories and reflections
Stockholm: Kungliga Musikaliska Akademin, selected chapters to be read.

Nachmanovitch, Stephen (1991).
Free play: Improvosation in life and art
USA Tarcher/Putnam, ISBN: 9780874776317, 224 pages

Werner, Kenny (1996).
Effortless mastery: liberating the master musician within
New Albany, Ind. : Jamey Aebersold Jazz, cop., ISBN/ISSN: 1-56224-003-X, 192 pages