MUS1092 : Folk Ensemble 1
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Ms Nancy Kerr Elliott
- Lecturer: Dr Matt Price, Professor Catriona Macdonald
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
- To develop skills in ensemble playing - listening, balancing sounds, blending voice and instrument, playing tightly together, complementing the sound of others, giving space
- To develop arranging skills - building on the theoretical base from Stage 1 Music Theory Modules
- To develop performance groups and thence to provide performance reflecting current ensemble practice in the field
- To bring a different perspective to repertoire building than that provided within MUS1058
- To develop the ability to work productively in groups, negotiate outcomes and manage conflicts and tensions
- To develop skills in second-study instrument (by approval of the DPD)
Outline Of Syllabus
Compulsory module - please see module summary.
A series of weekly three hour small group (approx 2-3 students) tutor-led workshops will challenge and support students in the development of ensemble skills and the application and further development of arranging skills learnt in Stage 1 Music Theory modules. Students may be given listening assignments in preparation for specific workshops and will be required to undertake individual preparation for specific workshops. Ensemble groups meet for a further two hours per week for unsupervised rehearsal and development of arrangements. Ensemble groups will give at least one short informal performance to fellow students and friends per semester.
Students who have demonstrated ability and commitment in a second-study instrument may apply to receive up to six hours’ tuition in a second instrument, by approval of the DPD.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 22 | 1:00 | 22:00 | PIP. Tutor led vocal group workshops, in conjunction with MUS2092 students. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 22 | 3:00 | 66:00 | PIP. Tutor-led ensemble workshops |
| Guided Independent Study | Skills practice | 1 | 56:00 | 56:00 | Individual practise and rehearsal |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 22 | 2:00 | 44:00 | PIP. Student led ensembles rehearsals. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Where applicable may inc. up to 6 hrs tuition on second study instrument |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 6 | 1:00 | 6:00 | Sharing performance/workshop events |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Weekly 3hr staff-led sessions outline approaches to devised ensemble arrangement and performance, guiding students in the acquisition of core knowledge and skills, which inform their practice. Weekly 2hr unsupervised ensemble sessions support and develop creative independence, self-management and an awareness of group dynamics integral to the development of repertoire and arrangements.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | 20 | 2 | A | 50 | A public recital lasting 20 minutes |
| Performance | 20 | 2 | A | 20 | A 15-20 minute public Vocal group recital |
| Performance | 10 | 1 | A | 30 | Interim Group Recital (2-3 sets) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The recital will require you to apply knowledge gained from the module's key themes through independent research and through the development of your ensemble / arrangement skills . These recitals may take place online.
A diary documenting the rehearsal process and evolution of arrangements should be kept as evidence that the student has engaged with the material of the module both during class and during private study time.
A satisfactory level of engagement must be demonstrated to gain the mark awarded for the recital.
An individual student’s contribution to the ensemble over the year can inflect their recital mark.
Summative recital in Semester 1 (2 sets required) will reflect work done to this point with semester 1 ensemble.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MUS1092's Timetable