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Fundamental conducting techniques, and further development of the musicianship skills essential for conductors learned in MUSA201.
This course seeks to provide you with an introduction to developing skills and experience as a conductor, whether of instrumental groups, choirs, or conducting from within an ensemble while also playing/singing. Involved in this study is not just the mechanics of 'waving your hands around', though that is where we do start; it also involves some detailed discussions of the psychology of rehearsing and performing from the viewpoint of leading/directing an ensemble.Along the way, there is a constant reference to learning about as much repertoire as you can - either through class discussion, or through your own pathways of discovery, that you will be encouraged to document. This is an important resource to provide you with referential fuel for your future endeavours leading an ensemble, wherever you find that opportunity - in informal or amateur surrounds, or indeed leading a professional concern such as a choir or orchestra.An essential part of the course is observing how others rehearse, conduct and lead an ensemble. At mutually agreed upon times, you will be invited to attend rehearsals of a number of ensembles and this will be the basis of observation in classes that follow those respective experiences.Perspectives to enrich the course will be provided as tangential topics we will explore as the year progresses. For example, around the study of certain repertoires, we will delve into the current understanding(s) of the performance practice of various historical repertoires. With regard to contemporary music practices, we will look alt the conductor as orchestrator in the context of scoring session-work, for example.
Students who pass this course seek to develop:* an ability to conduct the basic patterns, cuing, and character motions in front of an ensemble;* an ability to critique and observe performances and rehearsals of other musicians/conductors;* demonstrate a modest understanding of repertoire both historical and contemporary;* engage in developing an efficient and relatively tension-fee use of the body while conducting;* develop an ability to speak (coherently) in public;* demonstrate an ability to rehearse effectively and personably;* demonstrate an ability to read scores;* Transferable skills: public performing; setting and achieving goals; time management; performance under pressure; self-assessment and persistence; self-motivation; connection with community.
MUSA201 RP: A pass in MUSA223 is also recommended
MUSI320
A pass in MUSA223 is also recommended
WORKLOADStudent workload (150 hours) will be allocated to:* 48 hours attending the class* 24 hours attending performances and rehearsals* 28 hours preparing for specific class tasks and projects: scores, basic conducting motions, etc.* 50 hours research repertoire, conducting practices, rehearsal approaches, et al - documented in the 'scrapbook'
Mark Menzies
There are a total of 12 separate components to the class that form the total grade assessment for the year.Two written statements about "what do you aspire to do with conducting"; you do one of these each semester in the form of a personal statement. [5%]Four in-class tests spread over the year where you conduct simple patterns, clings, fermatas, etc. Each test would last no more than 5-10 minutes. [10%]The class observes you twice rehearsing an ensemble, either pre-existing (that you already conduct perhaps), or we create one. [10%]A surprise-topic (focused on repertoire) weekend take-home test [10%]Each semester, a drop-the-needle listening exam and score-reading quiz [10%]Class engagement, attendance of rehearsals, and personal research on conductors, repertoire et al (documented by a 'scrapbook' of what you've found) [55%]
Use of TechnologyThis course assumes that you have sufficient information and technology skills to confidently use a computer to access material for your course. Your written work will be handwritten and submitted in class time.You will be required to access our learning management system – LEARN – and to become familiar with its tools. LEARN provides easily-accessible information about the course and assessments, topics and deadlines, and supports the learning you will gain from attending all lectures and tutorials. For help using LEARN, refer to: http://learn.canterbury.ac.nz/course/view.php?id=2157
The following shows how to translate grades to numerical scores:A+ 90–100; A 85–89; A- 80–84; B+ 75–79; B 70–74; B- 65–69; C+ 60–64; C 55–59; C- 50–54; D 40–49; E 0–39In a course at 100- or 200-level examiners may grant restricted credit (R) which will be equivalent to a pass for all purposes except as a prerequisite.
Domestic fee $1,635.00
International fee $7,050.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 6 people apply to enrol.
For further information see Humanities .