Performance and Self-reflective Writing 2

This mostly practical module follows in some logical way on the practical and theoretical content of Performance and Self-reflective Writing 1 (which is a prerequisite).

Students must normally continue the practical training in an instrumental or vocal tradition of Asia or Africa (or other SOAS study geographies) begun in the preceding academic year. This is to deepen their performative skills and theoretical-cultural knowledge of the given tradition. Students are expected to perform a more advanced repertoire for their final exam (which is a public performance) and develop a more critical portfolio compared to Performance and Self-reflective Writing 1. If their technical mastery and knowledge allow, they will also start experiencing creative practice within aesthetic and cultural frameworks of the tradition in question.

While developing their self-reflective writing competence, students will briefly learn about the other performance-related skills such as transcription and music analysis which can be incorporated in their self-reflective portfolios. They will also become familiar with basics of Practice as Research and theories of musical creativity.

Please note students will not be able to select this module, Performance and Performance and Self-reflective Writing 1 as this is a restricted combination.

Prerequisites

• Performance and Self-reflective Writing 1

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module students will be able to

• Develop their performance skills on the instrument /vocal style which they began in the previous year or, in certain cases, a new instrument/vocal genre.
• Apply the basic improvisatory/compositional principles of tradition in creative practice.
• Evaluate the cultural conventions and meanings associated with the repertoire, instruments and genres begun in the previous year.
• Use transcription and music analysis skills in relation to their performance.
• Critically reflect on processes of learning and creativity by referencing the theoretical and methodological frameworks taught in the module.

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

• 600-word learning diary (worth 10% of marks)
• 2,000-word self-reflective essay (including at least one piece of transcription/analysis) (worth 30%)
• 15-20-minute performance (worth 60%)

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules