Master of Music in Music Performance

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip students with advanced and in-depth technical and interpretative skills, knowledge and understanding of Music Performance, thereby producing competent, ethical and professional musicians who will meet the needs of South Africa to provide for music experts who can perform, educate and generate new knowledge within the community and world of work. Students are furthermore developed academically as performers, thereby equipping them with the appropriate knowledge and skills for admission to Doctor of Music (DMus) studies in Music Performance.

Rationale

Music is a basic mode of human affection and cognition that is central to enculturation, social formation and the economy. The responsible management of this fundamental cultural and economic resource requires professionals with advanced training in a variety of musical fields like education, (ethno)musicology, music technology, African music, church music, theory and performance. With regards to the last mentioned, the Master's of Music MMus (performance) Degree meets a specific need in our country to enhance the general standard of music performance. The SASMT (South African Society for Music Teachers) maintains that music pedagogy and the performing artist are closely linked in the endeavour to promote music as a necessary curriculum of our education system and therefore also to the benefit of our economy. The qualifying learner will fill an important social role as performer where music is an integral element of recreation in society. Furthermore, as expert performer the qualifying learner can also fulfil a role as pedagogue, concert manager, music critic, music adjudicator, or music director.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is applied according to institution's policy. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an RPL indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning programme of the University. In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove.

Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification. Prospective students for a (Master of Music) MMus (Performance) degree are guided in submitting documentation showing they meet admission requirements. Their professional experience is taken into consideration as are any relevant qualifications. They may be required to submit previous research in support of their application.

In addition, a practical audition is required as well as a complete repertoire list of music literature, that has been studied prior to the application, must be submitted. During the audition, the performance skills must approximate to the Exit Level Outcomes of the Bachelor of Music BMus Degree with a performance major. The student may also be expected to prove his/her knowledge of research methodology and writing skills with a written assignment of at least thirty pages which should include a research proposal. On approval of the above, the student will be deemed to have sufficient academic and performance status in order to proceed to a Master's of Music MMus (Performance) Degree.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Music.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

• Mini Dissertation, 90 Credits.
• Concert Programme 1, 30 Credits.
• Concert Programme 2, 30 Credits.
• Concert Programme 3, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate comprehensive, in-depth and systematic knowledge in the field of music performance with regards to the underlying principles of technical work and aesthetic philosophies in the interpretation of advanced repertoire on the chosen instrument.
2. Demonstrate the ability to regulate their practice on their chosen instrument personally and, under supervision, can evaluate their preparation and performance of a concert programme consisting of advanced and challenging repertoire, representing different genres, tempi, and musical styles.
3. Demonstrate critical evaluation skills of existing knowledge concerning theories, research methods, techniques and technology.
4. Obtain, critique and ethically analyse and interpret relevant information and conduct research in a specialized field under supervision.
5. Communicate effectively on academic research through presentation in an appropriate style that suits the context and music literature through professional performance in concert.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Show and understanding of systematic and integrated knowledge and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as in technology.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Show professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
• Critically reflect on, and show understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Integrated Assessment

The Master of Music in Music Performance employs formative, summative and integrated assessments throughout the one year of study, in the form of written as well as practical assignments, class tests and examinations in all the modules included in the programme. The student skills at communicating orally and in written format, using appropriate Information Technology (IT), are also assessed, as well as her/his computer literacy. Assessment focuses particularly on a critical, creative and interpretative perspective of the various disciplines.

Students are assessed on the basis of oral and written work (presentations and mini-dissertation) as well as performance (three concert programmes). They are required to make oral presentations to their peers and supervisors. These presentations take place internally and also at national professional forums. The final written report is assessed according to formal guidelines. This report carries a weight of 50%. Students are encouraged and assisted to publish their work in accredited journals. The three concert programmes carry a weight of 50% and are assessed during public concerts by experts in performance on the chosen instrument.