Performance and Self-reflective Writing 1

Key information

Start date
End date
Duration
Full
Module code
155800042
FHEQ Level
5
Credits
15
Department
School of Arts & Department of Music

Module overview

In this mostly practical module, students take one-to-one lessons in one of the non-Western classical traditions offered at SOAS or in other vocal or instrumental traditions fitting into the SOAS study geography taught by an approved teacher outside the school.

In addition to practical tuition, students will be familiar with basics of self-reflective writing and performance theory and start practicing critical reflection on their learning processes around the instrumental or vocal tradition studied. To this end, students are expected to keep a Learning Diary throughout the academic year. This diary will function as a basis for their self-reflective portfolios.

It is students' responsibility to elect both the tradition and an appropriate teacher, and to arrange regular lessons throughout the academic year. All choices must be approved by the Performance convenor and/or regional experts, and reimbursement for lessons will be made up to a financial limit agreed at the beginning of the year. It is preferable and more beneficial to choose the tradition relating to the students’ geographical area of interest and to their major regional music modules.

Please note students will not be able to select this module, Performance and Performance and Self-reflective Writing 2 as this is a restricted combination.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

The objectives of the course are to develop fundamental performance skills in one of the non-Western traditions and to deepen students' knowledge of Asian and African music. By the end of the course, students will be able to play at least three pieces of medium difficulty and have good grasp of performance theory in relation to the instrument or vocal genre chosen.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to

  • Demonstrate physical dexterity and control over the instrument/voice, together with the necessary power of sustained concentration on performance.
  • Distinguish the basic creative (compositional and improvisatory) principles of the music in question.
  • Analyse the cultural conventions and symbolic meanings associated with the repertoires, instruments and genres studied.
  • Reflect on processes of learning the musical instrument or vocal genre chosen. 

Workload

  • Lectures: 3 1-hour lectures each term
  • Tutorials: 2 1-hour clinic sessions each term
  • Practical classes and workshops: 1 2-hour masterclass each term

Method of assessment

  • Self-reflective essay (worth 30% of marks)
  • 10-15 minute performance (worth 70%)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules