This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
The module will build on skills and understanding developed in the prerequisite module Ensemble Performance A and will allow students to develop further their understanding of their principal instrument of study in the context of small ensemble or band performances. Students will be expected to develop a thorough understanding of key aspects of ensemble performance such as approaches to balance, parity of phrasing and responsiveness to details of articulation; they will also be expected to develop a far more thorough understanding of the details of and interaction between the parts of a song or work. They will also develop far greater skill in responding sensitively to other musicians with an ear for details and articulation and pitch nuance, details that will differ from one performance to the next. Regular workshops will be the primary mode of delivery and students will be challenged throughout the course to prepare more effectively for workshop rehearsals and to make use of rehearsal time that is evermore effective.
This module will be taught by means of a 2-hour workshop for ten weeks:
Total Contact Hours: 20
Independent Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Each week students will be expected to carry out extensive preparation for the workshop. They will be provided with a part and will be expected to learn all or a substantial part of it each week. Level 6 students will be allocated a more technically demanding part (e.g. Violin 1 rather than Violin 2). Students will also independently arrange at least one group rehearsal each week. In the workshops students will be challenged to rehearse systematically and with sensitivity to other members of the ensemble or band in order to bring a work or a substantial part of a work close to performance standard by the end of each workshop. Level 6 students are expected to exhibit greater leadership and insight than Level 5 students in this process and to demonstrate a more critical approach to the rehearsal process as a whole. The total workload is 150 hours including two-hours of contact time each week. Students will need to practice either in preparation for an ensemble/band rehearsal or with their ensemble/band for around two hours each day. All students are also expected to take a leading role in extra-curricular activities outside of formal classes to supplement their work in this module.
This module will be assessed by 100% coursework.
• 70% Ensemble Performance
Students will be assessed over a series of group performances with a total performance time of 20-26 minutes.
• 20% Practice and Rehearsal Diary, 1000 words
• 10% Workshop Contribution
Baron, J. (2010). Chamber Music: A Research and Information Guide. London: Routledge.
Hinson, M, & Roberts, W. (2006). The Piano in Chamber Ensemble: An Annotated Guide. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Moore, A. (2001). Rock: The Primary Text: Towards a Musicology of Rock. Aldershot: Ashgate.
Parncutt R. & McPherson, G. (2002). The Science and Psychology of Music Performance: Creative Strategies for Teaching and Learning. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Stephenson, K. (2002). What to Listen for in Rock. London: Yale University Press.
Williamon, A. (2004). Strategies and Techniques for Enhancing Performance. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
On successfully completing the level 6 module students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate a systematic level of skill on their principal instrument of study in the context of chamber or small band performance, in areas such as sensitivity to balance, parity of phrasing between parts and responsiveness to details of articulation.
2) Communicate music in small-group contexts with an advanced level of musicianship, technique and stylistic language thereby showing a detailed appreciation of overall shape, phrase structure and nuance of articulation in such contexts.
3) Establish a high quality rigorous ensemble practice and rehearsal regime that is critically reflective and allows them to establish and develop important considerations such as the expressive approaches to key points in a song or work, and ways of effectively articulating the overall shape of a work or song.
On successfully completing the level 6 module students will be able to:
1) Respond to criticism and suggestions in a positive manner, trying out and assessing alternative methods and techniques and reflecting upon their efficacy.
2) Deliver, with growing confidence, work that conforms to a given length, format and brief and within a given deadline.
3) Demonstrate flexibility of thought and an openness to new thinking.
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