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Conducting - MUS00122H

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• Department: Music
• Module co-ordinator: Dr. John Stringer
• Credit value: 20 credits
• Credit level: H
• Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
  • See module specification for other years: 2022-23 2023-24

Module summary

This project aims to help students with a range of basic conducting techniques alongside an historical overview of the development of conducting through the 19th and 20th centuries. Through this history it is hoped that recent developments in historically-informed performance can be contextualised.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

This project aims to help students with a range of basic conducting techniques alongside an historical overview of their development. Through this history it is hoped that recent developments in historically-informed performance can be contextualised.

Certain works will be looked at in detail to show the development of interpretation. Regular workshops will cover various aspects of conducting, from basic patterns through to the more advanced patterns often required in contemporary scores. For workshops instruments are required, as you will form the basis of the conducting ensemble. Smaller vocal groups will be arranged to enable choral conducting experience also.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the project all students should:

• have gained the confidence to use a range of conducting techniques suitable for all levels of performance (school to professional), including leading high-level musical activity;
• be confident to plan and lead a rehearsal and be constructively critical within this environment;
• have developed a widened knowledge of repertoire and engage meaningfully with it, including, where appropriate, using analytical skills;
• be aware of the development of performance practice through the interpretation of conductors;
• have developed skills of clear communication;
• have developed team-working skills.

Third years: on completion of the module, in their independent work, students should demonstrate learning outcomes C1-6.

Assessment

Task	Length	% of module mark	Group
Essay/coursework Essay of approx 2000w	N/A	50	Default
Practical Conducting exercise assessment 1	N/A	25	Default
Practical Conducting exercise assessment 2	N/A	25	Default
Essay/coursework Essay of approx 3000w	N/A	75	B
Practical Practical assessment (with String Quartet)	N/A	25	B

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Option 1: An analysis of a conductor’s gestures from video footage agreed in tutorial c.1500 words (50%); two practical assessments (each 25%).

Option 2: An analysis of a conductor’s gestures from video footage agreed in tutorial c.2000 words (75%); one practical assessment (with String Quartet) (25%).

Reassessment

Task	Length	% of module mark	Group
Essay/coursework Essay of approx 2000w	N/A	50	Default
Practical Conducting exercise assessment 1	N/A	25	Default
Practical Conducting exercise assessment 2	N/A	25	Default
Essay/coursework Essay of approx 3000w	N/A	75	B
Practical Practical assessment (with String Quartet)	N/A	25	B

Module feedback

Report form, with marks to student within University designated turnaround time.

Indicative reading

tbc