What will I learn on this module?
This module is focused on your individual, one-to-one instrumental or vocal tuition. You will develop your technique to an advanced level while enhancing skills in performing music which will enable you to communicate effectively with an audience. You will continue to expand your repertoire, and building on the Performance 2 module, you will engage with aspects of Performance Practice related to your own instrument or voice. You will continue to engage critically with musical performance through attendance at concerts, recitals and open rehearsals.
How will I learn on this module?
You will receive weekly one-to-one tuition from a specialist in your instrument or voice in which you will develop your technical capability, expand your repertoire, and develop the artistic, aesthetic and expressive skills need for the communication of each piece to an audience. This will be supported by seminars and tutorials related to Performance Practice. The seminars will also provide a forum in which you will perform to your peers, and support them in turn through feedback on their performances. You will attend concerts, recitals and open rehearsals to experience a variety of music.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
The Module Tutor acts as Student Performance Coordinator for all performance modules, and will offer guidance and support in your performance studies throughout the degree.
Your instrumental/vocal tutor will provide expert advice on repertoire development and technique, and will encourage you to think about a stylistic approach to the interpretation of the music you will be performing. The teaching will be centred on your development as a performer.
Music staff contributing to the seminars will offer guidance on practising and performing, and will offer expert teaching in Performance Practice. Music staff are accessible within publicised office hours and via email.
Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, providing support, encouragement and feedback on your playing or singing in the context of the seminars.
Your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the resources available on the eLearning Portal.
Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will demonstrate knowledge of repertoire for your instrument/voice from different periods, and an understanding of symbiotic relationships between musicological research and performance through engagement with the study of Performance in relation to your instrument/voice.
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will develop artistic, technical, aesthetic and expressive skills necessary to communicate music convincingly to examiners, and the ability to explore creative links between scholarly research, analytical reflection, and processes of performing, especially in relation to your own instrument/voice.
How will I be assessed?
1. FORMATIVE: there are regular in-class opportunities to perform and with formative feedback from both staff and fellow students.
2. Technical Examination 30%. A technical exam will be conducted, recorded and marked by your instrumental/vocal tutor, and moderated by the module tutor. The focus will be on your technical development. MLOs 1, 2, 3, 4.
3. Performance Examination: 70%. At the end of the module, there will be a performance examination where you will play or sing a short programme of your choice lasting no longer than 20 minutes. MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Feedback takes the form of an examiners’ report.
Pre-requisite(s)
MU5003 Performance 2
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
In your individual instrumental/vocal lessons, you will develop your technique to an advanced level and hone your performing skills to enable you to communicate with your audience whilst expanding your repertoire. Building on the level 4 performance module, you will engage with aspects of Performance Practice related to your instrument or voice, whilst continuing to engage critically with your experience of live performance through attending concerts and recitals.
Course info
UCAS Code W320
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Humanities
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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