Performance

Program Overview

The MMus in Performance at Bangor University is a postgraduate program designed for proficient instrumental and vocal performers. It combines individual tuition, seminars, and performance opportunities to refine technical and interpretative skills while fostering research-based practice. Graduates pursue careers as performers, educators, and music professionals, equipped with transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, and self-directed learning.

Program Outline

Performance (MUS454)

This response provides a comprehensive breakdown of the Performance (MUS454) program at Bangor University, encompassing various sections like Degree Overview, Outline, Assessment, Teaching, Careers, and Other, gleaned from the provided context.

Degree Overview

The MMus in Performance is a postgraduate program at Bangor University aimed at proficient instrumental and vocal performers seeking to deepen their artistic and musical development.

It refines technical and interpretative skills on a chosen instrument or voice while delving into contemporary and historical contexts of instrumental/vocal pedagogy, fostering pathways and methodologies for specialist practice-based research.

Outline

The curriculum comprises two components:

• Taught Study: 120 credits with modules focusing on:
• Solo Performance:
Semester-based modules with recitals and research assignments
• Music and Ideas:
Semester 1 module exploring a specific case study and public research seminars.
• Investigating Music: Semester 1 module bringing together music performance, composition, and musicology students to explore contemporary issues.
• Researching Music: Semester 2 module on research methodologies, proposal writing, and project management.
• Performance in Context: Semester 2 module connecting practice-based activities to theoretical frameworks.
• Master's Project (60 credits): A public recital (50-60 minutes) or a lecture recital (40 minutes) presented in late September or early October following the summer.
Diploma students complete Taught Study (120 credits), while MMus students complete both.

Assessment

The MMus Performance employs a multifaceted assessment strategy encompassing various elements depending on modules and project type.

These can include:

• Performance assessments, including recitals and presentations
• Written assignments, essays, reports, and research papers
• Individual and group projects
• Practice-based learning tasks
• Portfolios showcasing creative work
• Participation and contribution in seminars and discussions
Specific assessment criteria for each module or project will be outlined in module handbooks and project briefs. The focus is primarily on evaluating students' ability to demonstrate theoretical understanding, technical skills, creative development, critical thinking, and research abilities in the context of musical performance.

Teaching

The program boasts a blend of teaching methods catering to individual and collaborative learning:

• Individual tuition: 36 hours of one-to-one lessons with expert instrumental or vocal pedagogues
• Small group seminars: Interactive sessions fostering discussion, critical analysis, and exchange of ideas
• Masterclasses and workshops: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with renowned musicians
• Recitals and performance events: Platforms for public performance and skill development
• Independent study: Fostering self-directed learning, research, and project completion

Careers

The MMus Performance program equips graduates with diverse career pathways in the music industry, including:

• Instrumentalist/vocalist in orchestras, bands, session work
• Accompanist/repetiteur for singers or choral groups
• Opera/musical theater performer
• Music therapist
• Instrumental/vocal teacher
• Music educator
This multifaceted training empowers graduates with transferable skills highly valued within and beyond the music industry, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, analysis, originality, self-directed learning, and strong technical and performance capabilities.

Other

• Strong emphasis on individual development through personalized feedback and mentoring from experienced tutors
• Program is informed by research-active staff with international profiles
• Access to world-class facilities, including a Steinway D Concert Grand piano
• Encourages student-led learning with opportunities to shape the program's direction
• Fosters collaboration with external partners like the BBC National Orchestra of Wales
• Promotes exciting performance opportunities in various formats, including solo and ensemble public performances.
• Benefits from strong links with regional and national music organizations, creating valuable networking opportunities