This module focuses on the consolidation of advanced, professional level stagecraft skills (practical and artistic), supported by an understanding of psychological strategies which can streamline practice sessions and optimise performance. You will study the key elements of professionalism in performance, including artistic communication/audience relationship; pace, choreography & stage management; control of technology; adjustment to context/venues. Skills and understanding are promoted through individual instrumental lessons and through performance workshops which provide a weekly forum for discussion and feedback.
Contact Hours: 27
Independent Study Hours: 123
Total Study Hours: 150
Main assessment methods
This module will be assessed by 100% coursework.
1) Contribution to Workshops 10%
2) Practice and Rehearsal Diary (1,100 words) 20%
3) Final Public Performance (25 min) 70%. The student is assessed in either an individual (solo) or group context, as appropriate; i.e. classical music players are likely to be
assessed in a solo context or with a single accompanist, whereas jazz and popular musicians are more likely to feature in a group (band) setting.
13.2 Reassessment methods
Coursework 100%
Indicative Reading List
Harnum, J. (2014). The Practice of Practice: Get Better Faster. Chicago: Sol Ut Press.
Kageyama, N. (2017). The Bulletproof Musician Blog. Available at http://www.bulletproofmusician.com
Parncutt R. & McPherson, G. (2002). The Science and Psychology of Music Performance: Creative Strategies for Teaching and Learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
St George, J. M. (2012). 'Learning Patterns in Music Practice: Links Between Disposition, Practice Strategies and Outcomes'. Music Education Research 14 (2).
Williamon, A. (2004). Strategies and Techniques for Enhancing Performance. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) demonstrate a systematic understanding of advanced stagecraft skills and psychological strategies relevant to contemporary and commercial music, with application to performance and practice contexts;
2) demonstrate an advanced understanding of the psychological, historical, cultural and technical issues that inform knowledge about performer-audience interaction, performance settings, recent music genres and their associated repertoires;
3) critically interrogate the relationships between musical creation, performance and reception;
4) control and manipulate performance setting, musical and extra-musical elements of performance in an inventive and individual way;
5) utilise the psychological, artistic and expressive skills necessary to communicate music convincingly to the listener, both as an individual and part of a group.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) assimilate different theoretical and aesthetic systems of thought and to relate theory to practice;
2) examine assumptions, concepts and hypotheses critically in the light of evidence, to make informed choices and to apply insights from one area of study to another;
3) synthesize inputs (knowledge, materials, information) in order to generate outputs in written, audio or practical format;
4) communicate and interact effectively with others;
5) work independently, to understand one's own learning style and work regime;
6) plan and set priorities.
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