Master of Music in Performing Arts

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced skills within the general field of performance practice with special focus on the chosen instrument, thereby contributing to the advancement of good practice within the discipline.

It aims at providing intensive and advanced tuition in mastering specialized skills and broadening fields of knowledge and repertoire within the discipline.

Furthermore, the qualification aims to provide learners with the depth of knowledge and appropriate research skills that would enable them to successfully identify topics of investigation within the realm of performance practice.

This is done through the critical dissemination of current knowledge regarding the discipline as well 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.

Rationale

This qualification provides students with the advanced skills necessary to meaningfully contribute to the further development of performance and performance practice, thereby addressing the need for more knowledge and skills within the provincial, national and international scene.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

According to Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

The admission requirement is

• An Honours Degree.

Or

• A Bachelor's Degree.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at Level 9 totaling 244 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 244 Credits

• Performers Practical Programme, 44 Credits.
• Research Theory and Application, 20 Credits.
• Treatise, 60 Credits.
• Performers Practical Programme, 60 Credits.
• Performers Practical Programme 2, 60 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Musicology, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Tonal and Atonal Theory, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Administrative Technology, 20 Credits.

1. Access, organise and critically evaluate existing knowledge within the chosen field.
2. Demonstrate mastery of theoretical, sophisticated and specialized performance skills on the relative instrument of specialization.
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

• Develop a research proposal, based on the course content and completed within the time stipulated.
• Source appropriate literature to obtain information relevant to the research and documented.
• Engage any required fieldwork recorded.
• Prepare documents for obtaining ethics clearance.
• Exhibit intellectual competence and skill in executing the research, using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Prepare and perform a public concert examination of an approved programme.
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge and technical command of the standard repertoire of the relevant instrument as well as a high level of musical maturity and literacy.
• Execute successfully the stylistic, technical and musical demands presented by the approved program.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Complete under supervision work on a research project as well as organizing two public concerts on an approved program.
• Prepare independently rehearse and practice of the performance of the concerts.
• Organise themselves 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 treatise and portfolio of portfolio of work draws from all knowledge areas covered and therefore is used for Integrated Assessment.