Music performance, Western Classical Music - 1-year supplementary study

The general admission requirement is a bachelor's degree or equivalent education of at least three years (180 credits).

The admission criteria must include a specialization unit of at least 80 credits in performing music or equivalent. At least 20 credits in the specialization unit must be level 2.

Ranking of applicants takes place on the basis of the entrance exam with the following parts:

• Audition. Audition with self-selected program. At the audition, a score from 10 to 20 is given for passing the test. Applicants who get less than 10 points have not passed. The audition counts for 50% of the total score.
• Interview. During the interview, a score is given from 10 to 20. The interview counts for 50% of the total score. The audition must be passed in order to be admitted to an interview.

Otherwise, admission takes place in accordance with the https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2021-11-24-3370?q=Forskrift%2520om%2520opptak%2520uiaRegulations on admission to studies and courses at the University of Agder.

The supplementary study emphasises the student’s development as a performing musician.

The student applies for one of the two specialisations:

• Artistic performance specialisation
• Artistic scientific specialisation

Individual solo and ensemble activities are central to both specialisations. The student will develop her/his solo- and chamber music repertoire as well as her/his personal expression as a musician.

The study programme emphasises proximity to and relevance for the professional music business. Through the Department of Classical Music and Music Education’s close collaboration with Kilden Theatre and Concert Hall, students can be given internships with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, the Kilden Vocal Ensemble, the Kilden Opera or in connection to artistic projects produced by Kilden Dialogue or other partner institutions.

About the specialisations

As part of the artistic performance specialisation students can, through the course MUK406 Individual Artistry, choose between the following minor subjects: ensemble singing, orchestral academy, collaborative piano, choir conducting, and creative performance. The student will develop her/his profile through soloist work based on a specific repertoire, a composer, a musical period, classical music improvisation or her/his own composition and arrangement activities. Professional practice will be achieved through participation in, and by managing, concert productions and artistic projects produced by external partners.

Creative performer
The student will develop her/his competence and profile through soloist work focusing on a specific repertoire, composer and era, or activities related to classical improvisation or composition and arrangements. Practical work experience will primarily be gained through participation in, or leading, concert productions and artistic projects produced by UiA in collaboration with external partners.

Orchestral academy
The student will develop her/his competence and profile as an orchestral musician. This includes working on orchestral excerpts and audition repertoire for orchestra-positions. Practical work experience will primarily be gained through internships with the Kilden Symphony Orchestra.

Collaborative piano
The student will develop her/his competence and profile as a piano partner with other instrumentalists and vocalists. This includes e.g. rehearsal- and accompaniment-techniques, piano duo work and other fields of collaborative music activities. Practical work experience will primarily be gained through concert productions and artistic projects organized by UiA

Choir conducting

The student will develop their competence and profile as a choir conductor focusing on the amateur musical life. Practical work experience will primarily be gained through collaborations between external choirs and partners, such as Kristiansand Vocal Ensemble, or other relevant music institutions from the amateur musical life.

Ensemble singing
The student will develop her/his competence and profile as voice ensemble performers. Practical work experience will primarily be gained through opera-, music theatre- and concert projects at the Kilden Theatre and Concert Hall and with the Kilden Vocal Ensemble.

Classical music improvisation
The student shall develop his/her profile as a creating performing artist through classical music improvisation. Improvisation within classical music varies greatly, depending on the context, style, and historical era. The student will explore the art of improvising through historical examples, improvisation within existing works and structures, and contemporary music improvisation including various forms of free improvisation. Practical work experience will be gained through artistic projects at UiA.

Offering the specialisations Ensemble Singing, Collaborative Piano and Classical Music Improvisation, will depend on the composition of the student group as a whole.

The artistic scientific specialisation provides a musicological foundation in relation to practical performance activities. In addition to main instrument tuition and ensemble- and concert activities, the student will gain skills in music research, research methods, research ethics, and in practice and project description work. In this specialisation, the student chooses to pursue the course MUK408 Scientific Practice and Project Development

Upon completed study, the candidate will:

KNOWLEDGE

• have advanced knowledge about the traditions, styles and aesthetics of classical music
• have in-depth knowledge about traditions, theory and practices within music research and artistic development work
• have in-depth knowledge about instrumental and performing traditions and the relationship between theory and practice
• have knowledge about different analytical methods and how these can be implemented to extract new knowledge.

SKILLS

• have advanced performing skills
• be able to demonstrate insight in the relationship between artistic content and communication
• be able to initiate, plan and implement artistic projects
• be able to use relevant scientific and artistic methods to develop her/his artistic identity
• be able to utilise practical and theoretical problem solving skills independently.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• be able to argue for her/his own artistic practice
• be aware of standards for outstanding quality within her/his own instrument- and minor subject area
• be aware of ethical problems, issues and expectations within the field of classical music.

The study programme offers various teaching and learning methods including one-to-one tuition, master classes, seminars, classroom and joint interpretation classes. The students’ working hours will mostly be dedicated to their main instrument performance, ensemble playing, internship-activities and working on their elective minor subject. Students will have the opportunity to participate in projects together with relevant collaborators and partners. It is mandatory for students to participate during the planning and implementation stages of the University of Agder’s concert activities. Written work will be supported by a supervisor. Supervision can be implemented fully online, on campus or as a combination according to the students’ needs and preferences. A substantial portion of the students’ working hours will be dedicated to individual- and ensemble practicing and their own research activities.

For the artistic scientific specialisation, the theoretical part of the specialisation will be conducted online with close support from a supervisor. Canvas provides the learning platform.

Through the collaboration between the Department of Classical Music and Music Education and the Kilden Theatre and Concert Hall, students will be able to practice their profession with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, the Kilden Vocal Ensemble, the Kilden Opera or in artistic projects produced by the Kilden Dialogue or other partner institutions.

Canvas provides the digital learning and communications platform for the study programme.Parts of the learning activities are mandatory. See the individual course descriptions.