Master of Music Performance (by Research)
Overview
A Master by Research degree which allows students to further extend their practical and theoretical performance knowledge and skills.
Description
Course Structure:
The course is two years full-time with part-time options available (normally 3 years part-time).
Full - Time Structure
Year 1 Points
Year long subjects -
758-611 Principal Study 1 37.50
758-616 Minor Thesis (complete Year 2) 12.50
Semester 1 -
758-634 Performance Research Seminar 1.1 12.50
758-636 Performance and Analysis 1.1 12.50
Semester 2 –
758-635 Performance Research Seminar 1.2 12.50
758-637 Performance and Analysis 1.2 12.50
Total 100.00
Year Two
Year long subjects -
758-621 Principal Study 2 37.50
758-616 Minor Thesis 12.50
Semester 1 -
758-638 Performance Research Seminar 2.1 12.50
758-640 Music, Society and Culture 2.1 12.50
Semester 2 –
758-639 Performance Research Seminar 2.2 12.50
758-641 Music, Society and Culture 2.2 12.50
Total 100.00
Total (over two years) 200.00
Objectives
On completion of this course students should have :
-
acquired a professional level of expertise in their specialist discipline;
-
developed a comprehensive knowledge of the musical content and style of a wide body of historical and contemporary repertoire;
-
developed artistic and creative independence;
-
acquired appropriate skills in research, writing and criticism;
-
cultivated a comprehensive knowledge and appreciation of the connections between music, contemporary society and culture including Australia’s indigenous culture.
The degree of Master of Music Performance has as its central focus the training of musicians to a level commensurate with the highest standards of performance within the profession. All facets of the program relate to performance and research into performance practice and its relevance to contemporary society and culture.
It is expected that in all areas of the program, students will demonstrate ongoing progress from year to year.
Prerequisites
Applicants should normally have completed a four year Bachelor of Music degree with honours, or Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours), and have extensive practical experience in one of the following designated Principal Study areas:
-
Instrumental/Vocal Performance;
-
Accompaniment (Keyboard);
-
Conducting/Directing; or
-
Performance/Composition.
Generic Skills
On completion of the Master of Music Performance students should be able to:
-
initiate research projects;
-
demonstrate an advanced level of musical expertise;
-
demonstrate a profound respect for truth and aesthetic integrity in performance, and for the ethics of scholarship;
-
demonstrate an understanding of the significance and value of the art-form to the wider community and their personal contribution to it;
-
demonstrate artistic leadership in the School community;
-
demonstrate the capacity for independent critical thought and self-directed learning;
-
demonstrate understanding of, and facility with, scholarly conventions in music research;
-
demonstrate a capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding of subject areas in oral and written communication;
-
demonstrate an ability to manage time to maximise the quality of learning;
-
demonstrate sensitivity to the life-view of others in the learning environment .
Student Commitment
Successful completion of all courses in the School demands self-discipline, commitment and perseverance, all of which relate to a positive attitude towards the study program. Attendance is one factor taken into consideration for assessment and a minimum attendance rate of 80% is a hurdle requirement for all students. More than 20% of classes missed is deemed as a non-pass. Where extenuating circumstances cause attendance to fall below the requirements, this may constitute grounds for Special Consideration for which a formal application can be made.
To this end, 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.
-
Absence due to illness in excess of two days requires a medical certificate, which must be submitted to the Student Administrator.
-
Absence for any reason including illness must be reported in advance where possible to the Student Administrator and to the lecturer(s) concerned.
-
The request for absence in excess of one day must be submitted to the Head of School in writing and include the reasons for the request.
Course Progression Guidelines
The course is two years full-time. The maximum time permitted for completion of the course is three years.
Student progress is monitored by the Postgraduate Committee. All students are interviewed each half year and progress in every area of study is discussed, and the student advised as to progress or unsatisfactory progress at each stage. Where satisfactory progress has not been maintained, a candidate shall be given the opportunity to present and explain the reasons for this.
Subjects by Year
Year 1
- 758-611 - Principal Study I
- 758-616 - Minor Thesis
- 758-634 - Performance Research Seminar 1.1
- 758-635 - Performance Research Seminar 1.2
- 758-636 - Performance and Analysis 1.1
- 758-637 - Performance and Analysis 1.2
Year 2
- 758-616 - Minor Thesis
- 758-621 - Principal Study II
- 758-638 - Performance Research Seminar 2.1
- 758-639 - Performance Research Seminar 2.2
- 758-640 - Music, Society and Culture 1.1
- 758-641 - Music, Society and Culture 1.2
Subjects
Year 1
| Credit Points: | 37.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Robert Vincs |
| Contact hours: | 24 hours in each semester |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Preparation for a recital program in one of the following designated areas:
-
Instrumental/Vocal Performance – solo/ensemble recital;
-
Accompaniment (Collaborative Pianism) - instrumental and/or vocal recital;
-
Conducting/Directing;
-
Performance/Composition.
Semester 1 will consist of individual Principal Study lessons. In Semester 2 this subject will embrace ensemble tuition and performance, and assessed recitals will comprise both solo and ensemble works in programs to be approved by the post graduate committee. The amount of tuition between one to one lessons and ensemble tuition will depend on repertoire and individual needs.
In addition, students are required to attend masterclasses scheduled during the year, the nature of which will depend on the selection of Principal Study enrolments and the visiting artists and artist-in-residence program arranged by the School.
Assessment:
A recital of 60 minutes minimum playing time (and not to exceed 75 minutes, including intervals) presented before a panel. Students are required to write their own program notes, the quality of which is considered integral to the overall assessment (100%).
Time Commitment:
24 hrs contact & 4 hrs individual practice per day
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Robert Vincs |
| Contact hours: | Two hours per month over 2 years |
| Semester: | Other |
Subject description:
This subject is offered over two years.
To undertake a research project in order to prepare a thesis, the topic to be approved by the Postgraduate Committee. The minor thesis is to be presented as no less than 10,000 words and no more than 15,000 words. Students will be required to provide regular reports and present ongoing written evidence of their continuous thesis preparation to their respective thesis supervisors. All topics must be related in some way to the student’s performance practice.
Students will receive regular supervision of up to two hours per month beginning year one semester one.
Assessment:
Students must submit the thesis within the period of candidature for examination in accordance with Statute 12.5.1. The date of submission will be posted on the Post-Graduate noticeboard at the beginning of each academic year. When the thesis is successfully completed students are required to present three bound copies to the School before the end of the year. The thesis is examined externally.
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Barry Bignell |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject is designed to enable students, through introspection, discussion, demonstration and performance to develop and articulate a personal view of what it means to be a performing musician in the current age. Research embraces relevant areas of performance psychology, and interrogation and re-visioning of dominant discourses in music and language, combined with increasing self-knowledge. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and emancipated art makers with enhanced (and sometimes new) competencies.
Assessment:
Continuous: participation in seminars (10%).
Formal: A lecture/demonstration of 45 minutes approximately followed by group discussion (one per semester) (90%).
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 1
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Barry Bignell |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject is designed to enable students, through introspection, discussion, demonstration and performance to develop and articulate a personal view of what it means to be a performing musician in the current age. Research embraces relevant areas of performance psychology, and interrogation and re-visioning of dominant discourses in music and language, combined with increasing self-knowledge. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and emancipated art makers with enhanced (and sometimes new) competencies.
Assessment:
Continuous: participation in seminars (10%).
Formal: A lecture/demonstration of 45 minutes approximately followed by group discussion (one per semester) (90%).
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 2
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Joan Pollock |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject focuses on:
-
the intellectual understanding of works in preparation through detailed research and analysis, and
-
the application of research and analysis to the realisation of the works in preparation.
Assessment:
Continuous: Contribution to and participation in seminars (10%).
Formal: A lecture/demonstration of approximately 45 minutes duration (90%)
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 1
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Joan Pollock |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject focuses on:
-
the intellectual understanding of works in preparation through detailed research and analysis, and
-
the application of research and analysis to the realisation of the works in preparation.
Assessment:
Continuous: Contribution to and participation in seminars (10%).
Formal: A lecture/demonstration of approximately 45 minutes duration (90%)
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 2
Year 2
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Robert Vincs |
| Contact hours: | Two hours per month over 2 years |
| Semester: | Other |
Subject description:
This subject is offered over two years.
To undertake a research project in order to prepare a thesis, the topic to be approved by the Postgraduate Committee. The minor thesis is to be presented as no less than 10,000 words and no more than 15,000 words. Students will be required to provide regular reports and present ongoing written evidence of their continuous thesis preparation to their respective thesis supervisors. All topics must be related in some way to the student’s performance practice.
Students will receive regular supervision of up to two hours per month beginning year one semester one.
Assessment:
Students must submit the thesis within the period of candidature for examination in accordance with Statute 12.5.1. The date of submission will be posted on the Post-Graduate noticeboard at the beginning of each academic year. When the thesis is successfully completed students are required to present three bound copies to the School before the end of the year. The thesis is examined externally.
| Credit Points: | 37.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Robert Vincs |
| Contact hours: | 24 hours in each semester |
| Semester: | Both Semesters |
Subject description:
Preparation for a recital program in one of the following designated areas:
-
Instrumental/Vocal Performance – solo/ensemble recital.
-
Accompaniment (Collaborative Pianism) - instrumental and/or vocal recital;
-
Conducting/Directing
-
Performance/Composition.
Semester 1 will consist of individual Principal Study lessons. In Semester 2 this subject will embrace ensemble tuition and performance, and assessed recitals will comprise both solo and ensemble works in programs to be approved by the post graduate committee. The amount of tuition between one to one lessons and ensemble tuition will depend on repertoire and individual needs.
In addition, students are required to attend masterclasses scheduled during the year, the nature of which will depend on the selection of Principal Study enrolments and the visiting artists and artist-in-residence program arranged by the School.
Assessment:
A recital of 60 minutes minimum playing time (and not to exceed 75 minutes, including intervals) presented before a panel. Students are required to write their own program notes, the quality of which is considered integral to the overall assessment (100%).
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Barry Bignell |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject is designed to enable students, through introspection, discussion, demonstration and performance to develop and articulate a personal view of what it means to be a performing musician in the current age. Research embraces relevant areas of performance psychology, and interrogation and re-visioning of dominant discourses in music and language, combined with increasing self-knowledge. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and emancipated art makers with enhanced (and sometimes new) competencies.
Assessment:
Continuous: participation in seminars (10%).
Formal: A lecture/demonstration of 45 minutes approximately followed by group discussion (one per semester) (90%).
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 1
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Barry Bignell |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject is designed to enable students, through introspection, discussion, demonstration and performance to develop and articulate a personal view of what it means to be a performing musician in the current age. Research embraces relevant areas of performance psychology, and interrogation and re-visioning of dominant discourses in music and language, combined with increasing self-knowledge. Students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and emancipated art makers with enhanced (and sometimes new) competencies.
Assessment:
Continuous: participation in seminars (10%).
Formal: A lecture/demonstration of 45 minutes approximately followed by group discussion (one per semester) (90%).
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 2
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Robert Vincs |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 1 |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject focuses on research into contextual factors which directly affect music-making in contemporary society and culture, including an understanding of Australia’s indigenous culture. It also connects the contemporary musician with relevant areas of aesthetics including criticism.
Assessment:
Continuous: Contribution to and participation in seminars (10%)
Formal: Presentation of a paper of approximately 45 minutes duration (90%)
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 1
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Robert Vincs |
| Contact hours: | 12 x 2 hour seminars in semester 2 |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject focuses on research into contextual factors which directly affect music-making in contemporary society and culture, including an understanding of Australia’s indigenous culture. It also connects the contemporary musician with relevant areas of aesthetics including criticism.
Assessment:
Continuous: Contribution to and participation in seminars (10%)
Formal: Presentation of a paper of approximately 45 minutes duration (90%)
Time Commitment:
24 hours in semester 2