Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Studies in Performance Practice
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Music
Module Code	10 27209
Module Lead	Andrew Kirkman
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-16 hours Practical Classes and workshops-4 hours Guided independent study-180 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module combines the disciplines of musicology and performance, introducing students to the main topics in performance practice of Western Music. Case studies are chosen from the Early Modern, Baroque and Classical. Topics may include organology, rhythm and tempo, articulation, pitch and temperaments, notation, the history of recorded performance, manuscript and printed musical sources, issues surround existing editions and editorial practices, and debates around ‘authenticity’ in performance. These will be explored through case studies of individual works, discussions of performances and recordings, readings of contemporary treatises, critical evaluation of the secondary literature on Performance Practice, and workshops with CEMPR vocal and instrumental tutors.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of historically-informed performance (where applicable) Prepare a critical edition of a selected piece of music, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and application of scholarly techniques of music editing. convey their ideas and the results of their research in writing. cite and, where appropriate, analyse, specific and suitable pieces of music as examples in support of their commentaries and evaluations. demonstrate both broad and detailed familiarity with the important issues in the performance of music from the periods studied.
Assessment	27209-01 : Overall Mark : Coursework (100%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment Either 50% Essay I (2000 words) 50% Essay II (2000 words) or 50% Essay (2000 words) 50% Performance, which can comprise either: 40% for a 12-minute performance, plus 10% for a 500 word supporting programme note on issues arising from the performance; or 40% participation in the concert by the Early Modern Vocal Ensemble or Chamber Orchestra (a baroque/ classical orchestra), plus 10% part test. or 50% Essay (2000 words) 50% Edition with 1000 word commentary on issues arising from the editorial process Reassessment Final Year Module; no reassessment permitted.
Other
Reading List