Master of Music in Applied Choral Conducting

Purpose

The proposed re-aligned qualification aims to build on the purpose of the current qualification, which has proven to address a real need in the acquiring of advanced skills in choral conducting, which forms an integral part of the musical heritage of South Africa and the Eastern Cape in particular.

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced skills within the general field of performance practice and more specifically that of choral conducting, thereby contributing to the advancement of good practice within the discipline.

This is done through the critical dissemination of current knowledge regarding the discipline as well purpose as the development to the contribution of knowledge at an advanced level through intense expert and specialized supervision with regards to both the practical and theoretical aspects of the qualification.

This provides students with the advanced skills necessary to meaningfully contribute to the further development of choral singing and conducting, thereby addressing the need for more knowledge and skills within the provincial and national scene. It aims at providing intensive and advanced tuition in mastering specialized skills and broadening fields of knowledge and repertoire within the discipline.

Rationale

This qualification is needed for the continual development of the discipline and to provide South Africa with a cadre of specialists for research, facilitation, development, management and service provision, who will contribute to a continuously growing understanding of the field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The official Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) policy will apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a Masters is

• A an Honours Degree.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree in Music.

This qualification comprises of compulsory module at Level 9 totaling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Performers Practical Programme, 60 Credits.
• Treatise, 60 Credits.

1. Access, organise and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
2. Demonstrate mastery theoretical, sophisticated and specialized performance skills in the field of Choral Conducting.
3. Demonstrate self-direction and independence in own learning, appraise personal education needs and evaluate personal progress.
4. Actively and meaningfully contribute to the creative discourse of the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Research proposal is developed, based on the course content and completed within the time stipulated.
• Appropriate literature is sourced to obtain information relevant to the research and documented.
• Required fieldwork engaged in is recorded.
• Documents are prepared for obtaining ethics clearance.
• Intellectual competence and skill is exhibited in executing the research, using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate a mastery of sophisticated and specialized performance skills by rehearsing and conducting an approved vocal ensemble in a performance of an approved qualification.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and command of the standard repertoire of this field.
• Master the stylistic and musical demands presented by the approved qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Carry out and personally manages the completion and submission of a research project as well as two separate public concerts of approved qualification.
• Independently manage, rehearse and train a vocal ensemble in preparation of the concerts.
• Organise themselves and the choir and their activities responsively and effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate a mastery of the stylistic and musical demands of the chosen qualification.
• Demonstrate an understanding of current interpretive discourses.
• Demonstrate good practice in performance and concert etiquette.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification consists of three modules and the formative assessment and the assessment of the research component integrates the whole range of knowledge areas.