Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Special Subject Solo Performance
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Music
Module Code	10 23480
Module Lead	Ceri Owen
Level	Honours Level
Credits	40
Semester	Full Term
Pre-requisites	LI Solo Performance - (09 37762)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-4 hours Practical Classes and workshops-20 hours Guided independent study-376 hours Total: 400 hours
Exclusions
Description	Instrumentalists or vocalists (classical or jazz): Each student will receive individual tuition (20 hours) on either an instrument or voice, classical or jazz, with an approved specialist tutor, during the teaching weeks of the year. Tutors are employed at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire or are employed directly by the University of Birmingham. In addition, seminars are delivered on topics which may include stagecraft and programming. Conductors (classical): As above, but the conducting option may be taken as a classical study only, and students work with a specialist conducting tutor, and conduct either designated instrumental ensembles (orchestral conductors) or a specially constituted vocal ensemble (choral conductors). Collaborative pianists/accompanists (classical): As for instrumentalists, but the collaborative piano/accompaniment option may be taken as a classical study only, and module tuition and assessment is focused on the role of collaborative pianist/accompanist rather than soloist. In all cases the module focuses on developing the skills and techniques needed by a performer (instrumentalist, singer, conductor) to perform at a standard approaching that of professional musicians. For classical instrumentalists or vocalists, a professional collaborative pianist (piano accompanist) is available for those studies which require one, for four hours in total, this time to include rehearsal before the assessments and the assessments themselves. For jazz instrumentalists or vocalists, a professional jazz coach is available for four hours in total, this time to involve professional coaching of the student’s band before the assessments, as suitable to the nature of a jazz musician’s practice (i.e., one developed in an ensemble context). This module cannot be taken with 22028 LH Solo Performance (Independent Study). This module builds on skills and knowledge developed in LI Solo Performance; attainment of 62% or more in the first-study assessment of LI Solo Performance is recommended for admission to the module.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Demonstrate either in public performance (for instrumentalists, vocalists, collaborative pianists/accompanists), or in public performance, closed rehearsals, and a technical- plus viva examination (for conductors), performance skills at a standard approaching that of professional musicians, including an emphasis on improvisation skills for jazz musicians only. Demonstrate in public performance the ability to plan and present a performance professionally and in a stylistically appropriate manner, according to the genre in which they are working. Demonstrate in public performance overall performance skills including stagecraft, and audience interaction and communication, at a standard approaching that of professional musicians. Demonstrate in public performance an individual artistic voice.
Assessment	23480-01 : January Assessment : Practical (10%) 23480-02 : Recital : Practical (90%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment Instrumentalists and Vocalists (classical or jazz): 10% by public performance (10' to 12') of music that will be performed again in a final, 35-42 minute performance. Alternative assessments if a public performance is not possible for the 10-12 minute performance: 10% video performance (10-12 minutes); if a video performance is not possible, 10% tutor report. 90% by public performance (35’-42’) in the main examination period. Alternative assessment if a public performance is not possible for the 35-42-minute performance: 35-42 minute video performance (90%); if a video performance is not possible, tutor report (90%). Collaborative Pianists/Accompanists (classical) 10% by public performance (10’ to 12’) of music that will be performed again in the final, 35-42 minute performance. Alternative assessment if a public performance is not possible: 10% video performance; if a video performance is not possible, 10% tutor report. 90% by public performance (35’-42’). Collaborative pianists/accompanists should accompany two other recitalists, one a vocalist, the other an instrumentalist (total of 35-42 minutes). Alternative assessments if a public performance is not possible for the 35-42-minute performance: 35-42 minute video performance (90%); if a video performance is not possible, tutor report (90%). Conductors (classical) 50% Conducting performances; approximately 20’-30’ of repertoire with designated ensembles (instrumental or vocal) at a minimum of two events during the academic year. 25% Assessed rehearsal. The penultimate rehearsal for each of the preceding events will be assessed and the highest of the two marks attained will be used to calculate the module result. 25% Technical Exam/Viva Voce. Students will be asked to conduct a piano duo in a technically challenging piece lasting between 5’ and 10’, plus a viva voce exam comprising aural tests, their knowledge of score reading, orchestration, theory, and interpretative issues. Alternative assessment if on campus activity is restricted: Conducting Option – if physical distancing rules allow on-campus activity but are highly restrictive: • 50% Rehearsal and performance (run-through) of a work arranged for piano(s), the total assessment length being 60’ • 25% viva voce examination of 30’-40’ • 25% self-reflective essay of 2000 words Alternative assessments for Conducting Option- if physical distancing rules mean that no activity can take place on campus: • 50% viva voce examination of 60’ • 25% technical study examination submitted via video of 10’-15’ • 25% case study essay, 2000 words Method of Reassessment Re-submit failed component(s)
Other
Reading List