Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours)
Overview
A one year Honours year available after the completion of the Bachelor of Music or equivalent. The course allows students to pursue a range of studies to expand their music practice and focus on establishing a professional career.
Description
The Honours program emphasises the development of individual student perspective. Through related units of study the Honours program provides advanced training in specialist, creative and communication skills which enable the graduating student to work in various professional and community contexts. The program is flexible in that it provides the student with a range of studies which form a bridge to a professional career as a practising musician. This flexibility is crucial in providing the student with the opportunity to make their own choice in determining future directions and ways of making music within the community. As part of the commitment to the School’s activities, Honours students are obliged to take part in orchestral projects as determined by Head of Honours and Head of Orchestral Studies.
Objectives
The objectives of this course are:
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to further encourage the development of creative, vital musicians, sufficiently flexible to contribute to the changing needs of the artistic community;
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to further develop practical music skills to the highest possible level, combined with a comprehension of music and the other arts in a variety of historical, social and cultural contexts;
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to provide a comprehensive study of current musical practices within a fundamentally aural approach to learning;
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to develop a realistic awareness of the demands of the music profession, and
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to encourage interaction with the wider educational and artistic community.
Prerequisites
Applicants should normally have completed the three year Bachelor of Music Performance or equivalent course and be able to demonstrate at audition:
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a high standard of performance within the principal study area, and
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a broad knowledge of the repertoire of the principal study area as well as a sufficient facility in written and verbal expression to undertake the course.
Generic Skills
At the completion of the Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours) students should be able to:
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exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills and understanding of ethics as they relate to the practising musician;
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demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;
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demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century;
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critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;
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work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments, and
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understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.
Student Commitment
One year full time.
Course Progression Guidelines
The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is normally one year.
The progress of a student will be deemed to be unsatisfactory if the student, having failed Principal Study, is unlikely, in the opinion of the examiners to reach the level of proficiency required for that subject; or has results that have not met the required academic standard.
The results applicable to subjects in an Honours course are in the range 65% to 100%, ie. H3 to H1. A result below 65% is considered a ‘non pass’.
Subjects by Year
Year 1
- 758-401 - Principal Study 4.1
- 758-402 - Ensemble 4.1
- 758-403 - Materials & Structures
- 758-405 - Performance Workshop 4.1
- 758-407 - Ensemble 4.2
- 758-408 - Performance Workshop 4.2
Subjects
Year 1
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Elizabeth Mitchell |
| Contact hours: | 18 hours of lessons in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
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development of advanced solo performing skills and a study of effective programs of practice;
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repertoire research and selection and the preparation of a major works or equivalent for public performance;
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special arrangements will be made for composers.
At the discretion of the Head of Department a number of Principal Study lessons may be conducted as Principal Study Forums.
Assessment:
Formal Assessment:
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recital of 45 minutes duration (90%)
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program notes and Principal Study teacher’s mark (10%)
Time Commitment:
18 hours lessons in semester 1 & 3 hours study per day
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Elizabeth Mitchell |
| Contact hours: | 10 hours in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
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development of advanced performing skills in small group performance;
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research and performance of a diverse body of works, with specific emphasis placed on Australian compositions;
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The choice of activities will be based upon areas of particular interest or relevance for each student’s professional aspirations, subject to the approval of the Honours Committee.
Assessment:
Continuous:
Preparation, participation and commitment (50%).
Formal:
One performance or equivalent (for composers) during each semester (50%).
Time Commitment:
10 hours in semester 1
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Elizabeth Mitchell |
| Contact hours: | 2 hour seminar per week |
| Semester: | Year Long |
Subject description:
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development of research skills and knowledge of research methodology;
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discussion of issues relevant to students’ areas of research;
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examination of historical and contemporary practices in composition, improvisation and performance, and
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formal presentation of at least one research paper (there is a minimum of one hour per month supervision of the research paper).
Assessment:
Continuous:
Preparation, participation, commitment including two reports on progress in the research project, one per semester (20%).
Formal:
A written research paper of between 8,000 and 10,000 words, on a topic to be approved by the Honours Committee; topic must be related to the student’s performance activities (80%).
Time Commitment:
2 hour seminar per week & 1 hour per month supervision
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Elizabeth Mitchell |
| Contact hours: | 5 x 2 hour workshops in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
A series of workshops designed to provide an opportunity for students to present a portion of their principal study programs as a work in progress.
Assessment:
Continuous:
Participation and commitment (40%).
Formal:
Presentation and performance at the workshops – three performances per semester (60%).
Time Commitment:
10 hours in semester 1
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Elizabeth Mitchell |
| Contact hours: | 10 hours in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
-
development of advanced performing skills in small group performance;
-
research and performance of a diverse body of works, with specific emphasis placed on Australian compositions;
-
The choice of activities will be based upon areas of particular interest or relevance for each student’s professional aspirations, subject to the approval of the Honours Committee.
Assessment:
Continuous:
Preparation, participation and commitment (50%).
Formal:
One performance or equivalent (for composers) during each semester (50%).
Time Commitment:
10 hours in semester 2
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Elizabeth Mitchell |
| Contact hours: | 5 x 2 hour workshops in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
A series of workshops designed to provide an opportunity for students to present a portion of their principal study programs as a work in progress.
Assessment:
Continuous:
Participation and commitment (40%).
Formal:
Presentation and performance at the workshops – three performances per semester (60%).
Time Commitment:
10 hours in semester 2