Master's Programme in Applied Music Studies

Objectives / Contents

The master degree in music performance or composition is intended for instrumentalists, singers and composers, working within the classical genre. The course enables the students to further develop their artistic identity and individuality, and also increase their ability to reflect upon their own work. The student will be given the opportunity to specialize in one or more topics relevant to his/her own performance or creative interests. Through oral and written expression, the student will become more aware of artistic issues to support his/her artistic practise.

Throughout the course, the students will be given individual tutorials to aid their performance/composition work and research tasks, as well as participation in group seminars and group projects. The master programme benefits from a rich international environment and English is used as instruction language in some group seminars. In addition to the university's own highly qualified staff, national and international guests are invited to hold seminars and master classes.

Admission requirements

The course is intended as a continuation of a bachelor degree (or Cand. Mag. Degree) in music performance or composition.

Individual entrance auditions are held during the spring semester. Admission is based on:

Performance:

1. Documentation of previously rehearsed repertoire, including chamber music.

2. 45 min. practical audition with a self-chosen repertoire, which must be specified in the application

Composition:

1. A pre-sent excessive portfolio including written works/scores, recordings and a CV of the applicant's previous education and relevant experience. The portfolio should include at least 45 min.worth of previously composed material. The material is expected to be of a high professional and artistic quality, and the applicant should also describe in which context/s the music was created in and intended for.

2. A personal statement elaborating on the applicant's own motivation for applying should be attached to the application. The statement should include a description of how the applicant intends to discuss and present his/her own aesthetic expression, and what aspirations he/she have for his/her own professional development. Additional tasks might be given if the admissions board finds it necessary/relevant in relation to the portfolio and/or personal statement. The applicant will be informed well in advance if this situation should become relevant.

Both performance and composition:

3. The applicant should be prepared to have an in-depth personal interview with the admissions board on the day of the audition.

International applicants:

Applicants who do not speak and/or read Norwegian, Danish or Swedish, is required to document sufficient English language skills in accordance with UiB's language requirements. For more information please refer to: http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/english-language-requirement

International applicants who are unable to attend the auditions and/or interview, are required to send a DVD of a recent unedited high quality video recording of the 45 min. practical audition to the admissions board. The admissions board will conduct the interview by telephone.

Study Period Abroad

MA students at The Grieg Academy have the opportunity to have an exchange period at a foreign institution. The exchange normally takes place in the 3rd semester of the students' degree. The students can apply for financial support if the work is related to their MUV352, MUV351 work.

Objectives / Contents

The master degree in music performance or composition is intended for instrumentalists, singers and composers, working within the classical genre. The course enables the students to further develop their artistic identity and individuality, and also increase their ability to reflect upon their own work. The student will be given the opportunity to specialize in one or more topics relevant to his/her own performance or creative interests. Through oral and written expression, the student will become more aware of artistic issues to support his/her artistic practise.

Throughout the course, the students will be given individual tutorials to aid their performance/composition work and research tasks, as well as participation in group seminars and group projects. The master programme benefits from a rich international environment and English is used as instruction language in some group seminars. In addition to the university's own highly qualified staff, national and international guests are invited to hold seminars and master classes.

Learning Outcomes

A graduate with a master degree in music performance or composition should be able to:

• Realize and disseminate his/her own artistic intentions with a clear independent expression.
• Show independence when faced with difficult artistic issues, and by initiating, directing and completing various projects.
• Analyse and evaluate issues within musical history, traditions, style and aesthetics, as well as music's role in culture and society.
• Use his/her gained knowledge to expand his/her own musical perspective and implement his/her own artistic development.
• Analyze and critically engage with his/her own artistic development and research, and use it in his/her own work.
• Parttake in the development and renewal of music and the music scene.
• Articulate and discuss musical issues with both his/her peers and non-musicians/laymen/the audience in a critically reflective manner.

Have insight in ethical issues found in his/her artistic development and research, and work within current ethical norms.

Admission Requirements

The course is intended as a continuation of a bachelor degree (or Cand. Mag. Degree) in music performance or composition.

Individual entrance auditions are held during the spring semester. Admission is based on:

Performance:

1. Documentation of previously rehearsed repertoire, including chamber music.

2. 45 min. practical audition with a self-chosen repertoire, which must be specified in the application

Composition:

1. A pre-sent excessive portfolio including written works/scores, recordings and a CV of the applicant's previous education and relevant experience. The portfolio should include at least 45 min.worth of previously composed material. The material is expected to be of a high professional and artistic quality, and the applicant should also describe in which context/s the music was created in and intended for.

2. A personal statement elaborating on the applicant's own motivation for applying should be attached to the application. The statement should include a description of how the applicant intends to discuss and present his/her own aesthetic expression, and what aspirations he/she have for his/her own professional development. Additional tasks might be given if the admissions board finds it necessary/relevant in relation to the portfolio and/or personal statement. The applicant will be informed well in advance if this situation should become relevant.

Both performance and composition:

3. The applicant should be prepared to have an in-depth personal interview with the admissions board on the day of the audition.

International applicants:

Applicants who do not speak and/or read Norwegian, Danish or Swedish, is required to document sufficient English language skills in accordance with UiB's language requirements. For more information please refer to: http://www.uib.no/education/admission/master/english-language-requirement

International applicants who are unable to attend the auditions and/or interview, are required to send a DVD of a recent unedited high quality video recording of the 45 min. practical audition to the admissions board. The admissions board will conduct the interview by telephone.

Compulsory courses

The master degree is intended as a four-semester full-time course. Tuition starts in the autumn semester. The chart below gives an overview of obligatory course units and the order in which they are normally taken.

1st semester: Autumn

Performers:

MUV301 Musical reflection I 15 ECTS

MUV310 Concert Performance I 15 ECTS

Composers:

MUV301 Musical reflection I 15 ECTS

MUV315 Specialized subject I for composers 15 ECTS

2nd Semester: Spring

Performers:

MUV302 Musical reflection II 15 ECTS

MUV311 Concert Performance II 15 ECTS

Composers:

MUV302 Musical reflection II 15 ECTS

MUV316 Specialized subject II for composers 15 ECTS

3rd and 4th semester: Autumn and Spring

MUV352 Master exam in performance or composition 40 ECTS

MUV351 Musical specialization 20 ECTS

Stipulations regarding progress

All students are required to complete and pass all general course units (MUV301 and MUV302) and course units relevant to his/her main discipline (MUV310 and MUV311 for performers or MUV315 and MUV316 for composers) in the 1st and 2nd semester in order take the MUV352 and MUV351 exams. The student must complete and pass the MUV351 course unit in order to take the MUV352 exam.

Study Period Abroad

MA students at The Grieg Academy have the opportunity to have an exchange period at a foreign institution. The exchange normally takes place in the 3rd semester of the students' degree. The students can apply for financial support if the work is related to their MUV352, MUV351 work.

Teaching methods

The master course utilizes a variety of teaching methods like individual tutorials, lectures, seminars, ensemble practice and projects. Teaching will mainly take place during the daytime, but master classes, concerts, ensemble rehearsals, projects and seminars might also be held during evenings and weekends.

The students are expected to participate in processes where they reflect on both practical and theoretical work. There will be tutored lectures as well as seminars and student presentations, and therefore both individual and group work scenarios are emphasised.

Attendance at seminars, lectures and various ensemble activities like orchestral practice, sinfonietta, chamber concerts and department group projects are compulsory.

Assessment methods

Performance:Exams are held in the form of concerts, oral and written presentations and tests.

Composition:Exams are held in the form of presentation of composition work, oral and written presentations and tests.

Assessment methods are further explained in the individual course unit descriptions.

Grading scale

Pass or Fail

Further studies

The two-year Master Programme specializes the graduate in either music performance or composition, and makes him/her eligible to apply for the Norwegian Artistic Research Fellowship Programme. For more information please refer to: http://www.kunststipendiat.no/en

Evaluation

Programme evaluation is conducted in accordance with the University of Bergen Programme for evaluation and quality assurance. Evaluation is carried out regularly, with the aim of course improvement and development. Questionnaire and/or oral group evaluation is used. A written report is produced for assessment.

Programme committee

The Grieg Academy. The programme board is responsible for the academic content, development and quality of the programme. E-mail: studierettleiar@grieg.uib.no

Contact information

The Grieg Academy administration. Email: studierettleiar@grieg.uib.no