THE ACTOR & MUSIC - 2023/4

Module Overview

The module introduces students to key concepts of using music in a theatrical context. Throughout the module attention is paid to ensuring a balance of existing musical skill is stretched and explored as well as introducing new theory and new ways of approaching music and instruments in a performance context.

Module provider

Guildford School of Acting

Module Leader

TURNER Thomas (GSA)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

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

Module Availability

Year long

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Material chosen and covered within this module will reflect the continually developing global perspectives within the theatre/music industry, whilst acknowledging and understanding the historical context from which they are derived. The delivery of this content will be such that it is accessible for all students.  

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

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

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Actor Musicianship 1 (Continuous Assessment) 50%
Student Activity

Evidence of practical understanding
Evidence of developing musical technique Evidence of technical musical ability
Evidence of engagement with process

Practical Music Assessment (Performance Assessment) 50%

Evidence of practical understanding in performance
Evidence of developing musical technique in performance Evidence of technical musical ability in performance
Evidence of developing performance style and technique

Formative assessment
N/A

Feedback
These are practical assessments that provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate and receive feedback sequentially. Students receive verbal and written feedback and also benefit from personal tutorials where this feedback can be discussed after reflection and grading has taken place.

Module aims

• To develop technical skills as both a solo and ensemble performer
• To explore areas of repertoire and how they connect with industry practice

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

Care will be taken to ensure that all teaching is delivered in such a way that it is accessible for all students.

Students are engaged in musicianship classes. Indicative content includes:

• Playing as part of an ensemble


• Developing an understanding of a diverse range of musical styles, genres and their context


• Discovering and implementing a variety of improvisatory techniques


• Developing an understanding of orchestration and arrangement


• Engaging and developing a fluency with various music software suites


• Composition

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: AMT1014

Other information

GSA delivers its provision across three teaching blocks, within the University of Surrey’s existing semester structure.

Programmes this module appears in

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 2023/4 academic year.