Master Exam in Performance or Composition

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course unit is to aid the student to reach a high level of musicianship, where he/she is able to make original and independent artistic choices.

Performers will prepare a repertoire that will be performed in a public concert. The concert should reflect the student's artistic profile and specialization developed trough master level studies. The student will also participate in various group and ensemble activities.

Composers will continue their composition work and present a portfolio of works that has been created throughout the master programme. In connection with the presentation of the portfolio, a public concert will be organized. The concert should reflect the student's artistic profile and specialization developed through master level studies.

Learning Outcomes

The student should be able to:

  • display a high level of technical ability on his/her instrument/voice (performers) or in his/her composition work
  • realize and convey his/her artistic intentions with a clear personal profile
  • display independence when facing demanding artistic challenges
  • use his/her gained knowledge to expand on his/her musical perspectives and carry out independent artistic research

ECTS Credits

40 ECTS

Level of Study

Master

Semester of Instruction

Autumn and spring. The course unit starts in the autumn semester and lasts two semesters.

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge

Performers must have completed and passed MUV301, MUV302, MUV310, MUV311 and MUV351.

Composers must have completed and passed MUV301, MUV302, MUV315, MUV316 and MUV351.

Access to the Course
Master's Programme in Music Performance or Composition
Teaching and learning methods

Teaching methods include individual tutorials, group tuition and/or master classes throughout both semesters.

The student will, in arrangement with his/her main discipline tutor and the programme coordinator, participate in selected group lectures/seminars, ensemble activities (orchestral practice, sinfonietta, chamber orchestra etc.) and projects organized by the Grieg Academy. Further information will be given at the beginning of each semester.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
All tuition is compulsory. The student will normally lose the right to take the final course unit exam if he/she has an absence exceeding 20%. Approved compulsory requirements are valid for two semesters after the ordinarily scheduled exam semester.
Forms of Assessment

For performers, the assessment consists of a public concert with a duration of 50–70 minutes (intermission not included). The flexible time frame is intended to allow the student to choose a shorter program (minimum 50 minutes) if the repertoire is particularly demanding artistically and/or instrumentally. This also applies to instruments with specific endurance requirements (for example wind instruments). The repertoire for the concert is developed in consultation with the principal instrument supervisor. The repertoire may include one work from a previous examination. The concert must be audio-recorded for documentation.

For composers, the assessment consists of a portfolio consisting of compositions created during the master program, amounting to at least 45 minutes in total, presented in the form of scores or other forms of notation with audio recordings, as well as the presentation of selected works in a public examination concert. The concert must be audio-recorded for documentation. After the presentation, a discussion between the candidate and the examination committee is held, in which the work completed during the year is reviewed. This discussion is part of the assessment.

Grading Scale
Pass or fail
Assessment Semester
autumn/spring
Reading List
Course Evaluation
Evaluation is carried out regularly as a dialogue between the assigned individual main discipline tutor and the student.
Programme Committee
The programme board is responsible for the academic content, development and quality of the programme.
Course Administrator
Faculty of Fine Art, Music and Design has the administrative responsibilities for the Programme.