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Performing with Technology

  • Module code: MU5204
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 5
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Level 4 or equivalent
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

This module is for students who are interested in how technology applications and interfaces can enable innovative music performance. From performing with laptops, interfaces, rigs, triggers and turntables to live effects manipulation, electronics and video, this module will encourage diversity through a range of performance and collaborative practice.

Students will examine case studies and a range of historical and contemporary performance practices. Music Technology students will work alongside and collaborate with Popular Music students on the sister module 'Performing Music 2', and will have the additional opportunity to develop foundational skills in 'front of house' and monitor mixing.

Aims

To develop advanced skills in creating music through the preparation and performance of popular music using technology

  • To develop understanding of current performance practices, including the appropriate application of technology
  • To further develop the necessary skills of self-motivation and discipline in performance
  • To evaluate progress to inform on-going strategies for personal professional development and self-promotion

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate appropriately technical skills in musical performance.
  • demonstrate awareness of a range of contemporary performance practices.
  • respond with insight and flexibility to creative challenges.
  • demonstrate the ability to be self-critical and to respond positively to feedback.

Curriculum content

  • Supervised rehearsals to consider practical and aesthetic issues relating to performance practice
  • Workshops and presentations aimed at refining and developing a range of techniques for the delivery of level 5 creative work
  • Lectures on specific aspects of creative practice, performance preparation and presentation skills
  • Lectures covering historical and contemporary case studies

Teaching and learning strategy

This module will be taught through individual and group instrumental/vocal lessons, lectures, guided workshops and rehearsals. Formative feedback will be provided throughout the year by specialist tutors and lecturers/workshop leaders.

Practical workshops and guided rehearsal sessions will provide students with an environment to develop and refine their skills.

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lessons, lectures, workshops and guided rehearsals 66
Guided independent study Student practice and independent study 234
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

Throughout study on this module, continuous formative feedback will be provided via weekly small group lessons, music making sessions and rehearsals. An individual presentation / performance will be a formative assessment point at the end of Teaching Block 1.

Students will be assessed through a portfolio of performance/live sound support work, which will include:

1.    A public performance of approximately 15 minutes duration held towards the end of the academic year (75%)

2.    Completion of a detailed record of creative practice in a reflective journal (25%).

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1) demonstrate appropriately technical skills in musical performance 1
2) demonstrate awareness of a range of contemporary performance practices 1,2
3) respond with insight and flexibility to creative challenges 1,2
4) demonstrate the ability to be self-critical and to respond positively to feedback 2

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Performance (exam) Practical Exam 75%
Reflective Journal of Creative Practice Coursework 25%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

Klickstein, G. (2009). The musician's way: A guide to practice, performance and wellness, New York: Oxford University Press.

Williamon, A. (2004). Musical excellence: Strategies and techniques to enhance performance, New York: Oxford University Press.

Bibliography recommended reading

Chatzichristodoulou, M., & Zerihan, R. (Eds.). (2012). Intimacy across visceral and digital performance. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.

Dimitriadis, G. (2009). Performing identity/performing culture: Hip Hop as text, pedagogy, and lived practice (Vol. 1). Peter Lang.

Emmerson, S. (2013). Living electronic music. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd.

Evans, A. (2013). Secrets of performing confidence for musicians, singers, actors and dancers. London: Bloomsbury.             

Frith, S. (1998). Performing rites: On the value of popular music. Harvard University Press.   

McGrath, C., Hendricks, K.S. & Smith, T.D. (2017). Performance anxiety strategies: A musicians' guide to manageing stage fright. Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.                

Peters, D., Eckel, G., & Dorschel, A. (Eds.). (2012). Bodily expression in electronic music: Perspectives on reclaiming performativity. Routledge.

Rodgers, T. (2010). Pink noises: Women on electronic music and sound. Duke University Press.

Sanden, P. (2013). Liveness in modern music: Musicians, technology, and the perception of performance. Abingdon: Routledge.

Small, C. (1998). Musicking: The meanings of performing and listening. Middletown: Wesleyan University Press.

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