CONDUCTING A - 2021/2

Module code: MUSM036

Module Overview

This module helps you develop and deepen your skills as a conductor, and gives you a sense of self-assurance when leading ensembles in rehearsals and performance. 

In addition to your assessed performance you will be required to perform at least once on an unassessed basis; and you will be expected to take a lead in the musical life of the Department. 

The assessment will take place in a public concert.

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

MCGRATH John (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Workshop Hours: 15

Independent Learning Hours: 52

Lecture Hours: 22

Seminar Hours: 21

Tutorial Hours: 8

Practical/Performance Hours: 32

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Previous experience in conducting; audition; and the permission of the module convenor

Module content

Study of beating patterns and how to move between complex changing metres

Detailed study of the essentials of harmonic, textural and formal analysis

Aural exploration of a range of different musical styles.

Shaping of musical structures through gesture.

Study of historical examples of conductors at work

Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Practical based assessment ASSESSED 10-MINUTE PERFORMANCE 75
Coursework 1000-WORD WRITTEN WORK 25

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate

Conducting skills, professional and relevant knowledge of the discipline.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:


  • 10-minute performance (LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 8)

  • 1000-Word Written Work (LO 5. 6)



Feedback

Formative feedback is provided throughout the module and detailed feedback is provided for the summative components.

Module aims

  • To develop your technical and musical skills as a conductor to a level which prepares you for leading ensembles with authority and control in a range of complex and challenging repertoire.
  • To develop your self-confidence and assurance in presenting musical performances in front of an audience.
  • To develop skills in the learning of unfamiliar repertoire, and you will be strongly encouraged to develop your repertoire interests beyond the conventional.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
1 Begin to demonstrate a full and secure range of technical and interpretational skills appropriate to the repertoire KP
2 Develop new skills and techniques where necessary in the preparation of repertoire, demonstrating effective and analytical learning techniques KP
3 Apply such new skills in repertoire not actually studied without guidance. KP
4 Begin to display a communicative and authoritative sense of performance with ease, fluency, control, musical awareness and accuracy PT
5 Understand and make appropriate use of all research resources in the preparation of repertoire CT
6 Participate in informed discussion about a range of performance issues, with a wide knowledge and in-depth understanding of the range of repertoire available to you. KCT
7 Prepare scores in a professional and workman-like manner; read scores fluently and interpret complex orchestral scores. KP
8 Work effectively and with self-assurance leading a range of ensembles in a wide range of repertoire; leading, collaborating or delegating where suitable. PT

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Develop conducting skills through an understanding of the repertoire, musical components and the practical execution of effective technique.

The learning and teaching methods include:


  • Conducting seminars

  • Performance seminars

  • Coaching

  • Tutorials

  • Rehearsals

  • Concerts

  • Private score study

  • Private listening/viewing


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: MUSM036

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2021/2 academic year.