Module Overview

Performance Studies 1

This module provides a progressive learning environment for the postgraduate instrumental/vocal/conducting student, focusing on advanced repertoire with an emphasis on facilitating the artistic, intellectual and creative development of each student through individual lessons, specialist coaching and performance opportunities. Units to be taken depend on instrument/voice specialism.

Students prepare for a 20-25 minute recital performance with an emphasis on a high level of artistic and interpretative awareness and musical understanding.

Module Code

MUSM 9002

ECTS Credits

10

*Curricular information is subject to change

Principal Study (All students)
Students will work on advanced solo and/or chamber music repertoire (ensemble repertoire in case of conductors) representing a variety of composers and musical styles and will build recital programmes in consultation with their principal study lecturer.  Lessons will focus on issues relating to advanced technique, style and interpretation, approaches to practice, and professional performance presentation skills.

Chamber Music Coaching (Chamber Music students)
Students will work with their chamber music ensemble on advanced chamber repertoire representing a variety of composers and musical styles and will prepare recital programmes chosen in consultation with their chamber music lecturer(s).  Lessons will focus on issues relating to ensemble, listening skills, repertoire, style and interpretation, approaches to practice, and professional performance presentation skills.

Repetiteur / Accompaniment (Vocal/Orchestral)
Students will work with their repetiteur/accompanist on advanced repertoire representing a variety of composers and musical styles and will prepare recital programmes chosen in consultation with their principal study teacher.  Lessons will focus on issues relating to ensemble, listening skills, repertoire, language (singers), style and interpretation, approaches to practice, and professional performance presentation skills.

Lieder Class (Vocal) / French Song Class  (Vocal)
Students will perform selected songs from the Lieder and French Song repertoire in class and will participate in discussion of stylistic and interpretative issues with the coach and their peers. Coaching will focus on issues relating to style and interpretation, listening skills, language and sensitivity to the role of the piano.

Oratorio (Vocal)
Students will perform solo parts from the oratorio repertoire and coaching will focus on issues relating to style and interpretation, technique and professional performance presentation skills.

Aria Class (Vocal)
Students will perform operatic arias and coaching will focus on issues relating to style and interpretation, technique and preparation for professional opera auditions.

Jazz Performance Class (Jazz Strand Students) and Irish Traditional Music Performance Class (ITM students)
Students will perform in class and will participate in discussion of stylistic and interpretative issues in solo and ensemble contexts.  The class will also focus on arrangement.

Masterclass/Seminar (All students)
Students will perform regularly at masterclasses /seminars and will receive critical feedback from their peers, teachers and invited external specialists. They will be encouraged to engage in self-evaluation and in-depth discussion of their personal approach to performance.  Issues addressed will include technical and interpretative matters, performance skills and music criticism. 

Principal Study        (All students)

  • Individual lessons
  • Self-directed practice
  • Performance opportunities  

This unit is taught through an individual weekly lesson with the student’s instrumental/vocal tutor. Students explore advanced repertoire in their chosen instrument/voice and the focus is on developing the expertise and artistry necessary for professional level performance. 

Chamber Music Coaching (Chamber Music students)
Coaching in a class context, opportunity to perform in small ensembles, to receive the critical appraisal of the class director and to engage in group discussion.

Piano Accompaniment Coaching (Piano Accompaniment students)
Coaching is on an individual and/or class basis with the opportunity to perform with instrumentalists and vocalists, to receive the critical appraisal of the piano accompaniment lecturer.

Repetiteur/Accompaniment (Vocal/Orchestral)
Individual repetiteur/accompaniment session with a repetiteur/accompanist.

Vocal Classes (Vocal students)
Coaching in a class context, opportunity to perform with a pianist, to receive the critical appraisal of the class director and to engage in group discussion.

Masterclass/Seminar (All students)
Seminars will be facilitated by instrumental/vocal teachers and invited extern specialists and visiting professors/Artists in Residence at regular intervals .

Jazz Performance Class (Jazz Strand Students) and Irish Traditional Music Performance Class (ITM students)
Coaching in a class context, opportunity to perform in small ensembles, to receive the critical appraisal of the class director and to engage in group discussion.

Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown %
Other Assessment(s)100