Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance
Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance is a full-time, full fee-paying course that offers exceptional performers the opportunity to focus exclusively on their chosen performance area for one academic year through a combination of intensive individual lessons, ensemble tutorials, and seminars designed to stimulate enquiry into the relationships between performance and research. This course provides an excellent introduction to further postgraduate study.
Description
The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance is offered in the following strands:
- Repertoire Performer (including Solo Instrumental, Collaborative Pianism, Vocal, Conducting)
- Improvisation
- Performer-Composer
Orchestral Instrumental Performers are encouraged to participate in the VCA Orchestra and may nominate this activity as a component of the Ensemble subject.
Objectives
The objectives of the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance are:
- to provide musicians with an intensive period of study, rehearsal, reflection during which the threads of prior influence can be woven into a clear fabric of understanding and combined with new insights and epiphanies to enhance and enrich their experience as performers;
- to challenge musicians to expand their artistic horizons by encouraging them to take risks in the selection of repertoire outside their usual comfort zones, in creating and presenting programs that defy the dictates of tradition (both solo and ensemble), and by re-evaluating their core notions of what music is;
- to challenge musicians to new universes of philosophical enquiry into the nature of their intentions and experience as artists and performers;
- to cultivate the poetry of the soul as an essential element of the performance experience;
- to stimulate enquiry into the research-performance continuum;
- to expand the notion of the way in which the fruits of this enquiry may be presented to the public;
- to prepare the student for further postgraduate studies.
Prerequisites
Applicants must hold the Bachelor of Music (Performance) or equivalent degree and demonstrate an exceptional standard of postgraduate level performance. All international applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency based either on the IELTS test with a minimum score of 6.5 or 580 TOEFL. Entry is by audition and interview.
Generic Skills
At the completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance students should be able to:
- demonstrate enhanced understanding of and confidence in themselves as musicians, artists, thinkers;
- appreciate and express the notion of research as integral to their processes for developing secure and informed performances;
- demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary culture and to embrace its impact on the performance experience;
- demonstrate flexible and innovative approaches to the challenges facing the professional musician in the 21st century.
- undertake further postgraduate studies with confidence in their performance, research and writing skills
Student Commitment
Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance requires self-discipline, commitment, perseverance, and an overall positive attitude towards the study program. If at any point in the academic year the student finds they are experiencing difficulty in any aspect of the course they should at the first possible opportunity bring this to the attention of the Course Coordinator so that a process for its resolution may be put into place.
A minimum attendance rate of 80% is a hurdle requirement for all subjects, thus, more than 20% of classes missed constitutes a non-pass. Should extenuating circumstances cause attendance to fall below these requirements, a formal application for Special Consideration can be submitted.
Attendance at all classes, scheduled rehearsals and performances is regarded as essential and students are obliged to have a clear understanding of the School’s policy regarding attendance:
- students are expected to attend and participate in all classes;
- a minimum attendance rate of 80% is a hurdle requirement for all subjects,
- more than 20% of classes missed for any one subject constitutes a non-pass for that subject;
- absence due to illness in excess of two days requires a medical certificate, which must be submitted with an Application for Short Term Leave Form to Student & Academic Services;
- absence for any reason including illness must be reported in advance where possible to the Lecturer(s) and Course Coordinator(s) concerned.
- any request for absence in excess of one day must be submitted to the Course Coordinator(s) on an Application for Short Term Leave Form;
- should extenuating circumstances cause attendance to fall below the 80% hurdle, a formal application for Special Consideration may be lodged at https://sis.unimelb.edu.au.
Course Progression Guidelines
This is a one-year full-time course comprising four subjects in each semester. The progress of a student will be deemed unsatisfactory if the student fails any one subject during the year. Only in exceptional circumstances will the repeat of a subject be considered.
Qualification for Award
The award of this Postgraduate Diploma requires the successful completion of all prescribed subjects within the duration of one year and the gaining of a total score of 100 credit points.
Subjects by Year
Year 1
- 758-852 - Principal Study 1.1
- 758-853 - Principal Study 1.2
- 758-854 - Ensemble 1.1
- 758-855 - Ensemble 1.2
- 758-856 - The Performer in the 21st Century 1.1
- 758-857 - The Performer in the 21st Century 1.2
- 758-858 - Advanced Performance Seminar 1.1
- 758-859 - Advanced Performance Seminar 1.2
Subjects
Year 1
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 1.5 lessons in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Intensive individual lessons will focus on the further development of musicianship, awareness, imagination, creativity, skill, repertoire and current performance practice.
Objectives:
To enable the student in the achievement of:
- an advanced level of musicianship in the selection, preparation and presentation of repertoire;
- an enhanced understanding of the relationship between performance and research;
- familiarity with a range of musical styles;
- thoughtful reflection upon their own experience as musicians and discussion of their achievements and shortcomings.
Assessment:
Formal : A fully staged, public recital of 50 minutes duration which may comprise both solo and ensemble works (90%). Program notes (10%).
Performer-Composers to present 50 minutes in Semester 1 and 50 minutes in Semester 2, combining Principal Study and Ensemble requirements. Each of these recitals must include at least 25% original works composed during semester.
Time Commitment:
18 hours of individual instruction per semester plus a minimum of 24 hours per week rehearsal, study, reflection.
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 1.5 lessons in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Intensive individual lessons will focus on the further development of musicianship, awareness, imagination, creativity, skill, repertoire and current performance practice.
Objectives:
To enable the student in the achievement of:
- an advanced level of musicianship in the selection, preparation and presentation of repertoire;
- an enhanced understanding of the relationship between performance and research;
- familiarity with a range of musical styles;
- thoughtful reflection upon their own experience as musicians and discussion of their achievements and shortcomings.
Assessment:
Formal : A fully staged, public recital of 50 minutes duration which may comprise both solo and ensemble works (90%). Program notes (10%).
Performer-Composers to present 50 minutes in Semester 1 and 50 minutes in Semester 2, combining Principal Study and Ensemble requirements. Each of these recitals must include at least 25% original works composed during semester.
Time Commitment:
18 hours of individual instruction per semester plus a minimum of 24 hours per week rehearsal, study, reflection.
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 15 hours in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
The art of performing in collaboration with at least one other creative element. The myriad challenges associated with listening to the Self and to Others to fashion a unified musical expression. Research into the existing repertory, into historic performances (repertoire and improvisation based), into non-traditional variants of the ensemble experience. Students pursuing an orchestral career may elect participation in VCA Orchestra as part of this subject.
Objectives:
To enable the student to:
- perform at a high level of musicianship in collaboration with at least one other performer, art form or creative element;
- establish working relationships, develop efficient rehearsal techniques, observe rehearsal etiquette with other performers;
- build and present recital programs that reflect familiarity with a wide range of musical styles.
Assessment:
Formal: A fully staged, public recital of 30 minutes' duration to be presented, with printed program and program notes, on the VCA campus and assessed by a panel of two VCA Music staff members (100%). Ensemble assessment for Performer-Composers will be incorporated into the Principal Study recital of 50 minutes' duration.
Time Commitment:
15 hours tutorial per semester plus a minimum of 12 hours per week rehearsal, study, reflection.
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 15 hours |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
The art of performing in collaboration with at least one other creative element. The myriad challenges associated with listening to the Self and to Others to fashion a unified musical expression. Research into the existing repertory, into historic performances (repertoire and improvisation based), into non-traditional variants of the ensemble experience. Students pursuing an orchestral career may elect participation in VCA Orchestra as part of this subject.
Objectives:
To enable the student to:
- perform at a high level of musicianship in collaboration with at least one other performer, art form or creative element;
- establish working relationships, develop efficient rehearsal techniques, observe rehearsal etiquette with other performers;
- build and present recital programs that reflect familiarity with a wide range of musical styles.
Assessment:
Formal: A fully staged, public recital of 30 minutes' duration to be presented, with printed program and program notes, on the VCA campus and assessed by a panel of two VCA Music staff members (100%).
Ensemble assessment for Performer-Composers will be incorporated into the Principal Study recital of 50 minutes' duration.
Time Commitment:
15 hours tutorial per semester plus a minimum of 12 hours per week rehearsal, study, reflection.
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Mode of Delivery: | 12 x 1.5 hour seminars in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Musical and extra-musical factors relevant to musicians working in the 21st Century will be presented in a forum focusing on the relationship between research and performance, embracing awareness of structure, style, and social and cultural context as factors informing interpretation. Psychological and physiological issues pertaining to performance will be addressed in the light of such awareness. The subject will include the study of other art forms, contemporary developments in music making in Australia and around the world.
Objectives:
To enable the student to:
- understand the role of research in determining approaches to interpretation;
- understand relationships between mind and body in performance;
- understand and apply a wide range of approaches to music analysis;
- integrate analysis and research into the interpretation/practice process;
- understand and apply contemporary performance practices.
Assessment:
Continuous: Preparation of material to be discussed in seminars; attendance, participation, and commitment (40%).
Formal: The submission of an essay of 2,000 words on the interpretation of a musical work (or excerpt) from the student’s developing repertoire for the end-of-semester recital, to be delivered to the class as a lecture-demonstration of 30-40 minutes’ duration in Weeks 10-12 (60%).
Time Commitment:
18 hours in seminars plus a minimum of 6 hours per week study, reflection, preparation.
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 1.5 hour seminars |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Continuation of enquiry launched in Semester 1. Musical and extra-musical factors relevant to musicians working in the 21st Century will be presented in a forum focusing on the relationship between research and performance, embracing awareness of structure, style, and social and cultural context as factors informing interpretation. Psychological and physiological issues pertaining to performance will be addressed in the light of such awareness. The subject will include the study of other art forms, contemporary developments in music making in Australia and around the world.
Objectives:
To enable the student to:
- understand the role of research in determining approaches to interpretation;
- understand relationships between mind and body in performance;
- understand and apply a wide range of approaches to music analysis;
- integrate analysis and research into the interpretation/practice process.
- understand and apply contemporary performance practices.
Assessment:
Continuous: Preparation of material to be discussed in seminars; attendance, participation, and commitment (40%).
Formal: The submission of an essay of 2,000 words on the interpretation of a musical work (or excerpt) from the student’s developing repertoire for the end-of-semester recital, to be delivered to the class as a lecture-demonstration of 30-40 minutes’ duration in Weeks 10-12 (60%).
Time Commitment:
18 hours in seminars plus a minimum of 6 hours per week study, reflection, preparation.
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 1.5 hour seminars |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
This subject provides students with a forum in which to present performances of works-in-progress. Matters of direct relevance to the performance experience such as memorisation, the nature of the learning process, deliberate practice, performance anxiety, and awareness will be explored through discussion, reflection, practical demonstration, reading, listening and writing. The subject recognises research as a key element in musical and self understanding.
Objectives:
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate deepened awareness of themselves as artists and of the responsibility this entails;
- demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between research and performance;
- demonstrate their ability to conduct research into issues pertaining to musical performance;
- demonstrate performance skills enhanced by the fruits of their research;
- demonstrate enhanced critical listening skills;
- demonstrate thoughtful, creative processes informing repertoire selection and program building;
- present a thoroughly researched and prepared lecture-recital about a single musical composition with confidence and conviction;
- write informed program notes about each of the works they are performing.
Assessment:
Continuous: Participation and commitment as demonstrated through performances, written work (program notes), and contribution to in-class discussions (60%).
Formal: One 35-40 minute lecture-recital to be presented in the second half of the semester to the class and any guests invited by the student (40%). Requirements specific to each strand are described in the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance Course Guide.
Time Commitment:
18 hours in seminars plus a minimum of 6 hours per week study, reflection, preparation.
| Credit Points: | 6.25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Donna Coleman |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 1.5 hour seminars |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Continuation of Semester I. This subject provides students with a forum in which to present performances of works-in-progress. Matters of direct relevance to the performance experience such as memorisation, the nature of the learning process, deliberate practice, performance anxiety, and awareness will be explored through discussion, reflection, practical demonstration, reading, listening and writing. The subject recognises research as a key element in musical and self-understanding.
Objectives:
Upon completion of this subject students should be able to:
- demonstrate deepened awareness of themselves as artists and of the responsibility this entails;
- demonstrate their understanding of the relationship between research and performance;
- demonstrate their ability to conduct research into issues pertaining to musical performance;
- demonstrate performance skills enhanced by the fruits of their research;
- demonstrate enhanced critical listening skills;
- demonstrate thoughtful, creative processes informing repertoire selection and program building;
- present a thoroughly researched and prepared lecture-recital about a single musical composition with confidence and conviction;
- write informed program notes about each of the works they are performing.
Assessment:
Continuous: Participation and commitment as demonstrated through performances, written work (program notes and journals), and contribution to in-class discussions (60%). Program notes of approximately 500 words per work presented in class.
Formal: One 35-40 minute lecture-recital to be presented in the second half of the semester to the class and any guests invited by the student (40%). Requirements specific to each strand are described in the Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance Course Guide.
Time Commitment:
18 hours in seminars plus a minimum of 6 hours per week study, reflection, preparation.