Module: MUS4010-20 Practical Music Skills

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Adam Biggs

Module Tutor Contact Details: a.biggs@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

 You will develop your practical music making skills through ensemble and solo performance. This module develops your abilities to perform and collaborate musically with others. It will support you in developing your performance practice as an individual and as a part of your wider cohort, through ensemble performance, helping you to develop your personal skills and form lasting habits in relation to your development as a successful and creative musician.

2. Outline syllabus:

The module will cover core practical music skills including rhythmic awareness and accuracy, aural and listening skills, understanding of music notation systems, applied theory skills, and the technical vocabulary needed to play and communicate successfully as a musician. The seminars are practical sessions where you explore and consider the different elements of music expanding the tools you have as a performer.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The teaching activities for this module include an applied theory class, where theory is considered in a practical and helpful way to opening up your musicianship; an elements class where you begin by considering rhythm as the fundamental element of music, and build your skills considering the foundational aspects of music, to learn core skills; as well as ensemble class where you work in a variety of contexts and line ups, to consider the music that you are passionate about. Through these activities you will create a practical portfolio of outputs, which might include live performances, recorded work, collaborative work, working with your own choice of repertoire, or creating original music.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Practical Skills Portfolio

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Performance Portfolio

• % Weighting: 50%