MMus Performance Major

MUPF 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Major Study (Performance) I, II, III, IV Major Study is the focal point of the student’s musical studies. In addition to the consolidation of technique, musicianship, stylistic understanding, and repertoire knowledge, lessons at the postgraduate level aim towards developing artistry through critical reflection and the forming of the student’s own distinct voice in performance.

A student may choose to major in one of the following: 1. Piano 2. Western Orchestral Instruments

2.1. Strings violin, viola, cello, double bass 2.2. Woodwinds flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone 2.3. Brass French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba 2.4. Percussion 3. Chinese Instruments 3.1. Bowed-string gaohu, banhu, erhu Plucked-string yangqin, liuqin, pipa, ruan, zheng, qin 3.2. Winds dizi, suona, sheng 3.3. Percussion 3.4. Conducting for Chinese Orchestras 4. Voice Performing instrumentalists and vocalists have 1.5 hours of weekly one-to-one Major Study lessons that emphasise their development as practising musicians with an assured technique and interpretative independence. As they build a wide knowledge of repertoire, a professional approach to all aspects of performance, along with a high level of self-criticism and self-discipline are expected of the student. Students also participate in masterclasses conducted by renowned performers and teachers who offer additional specialized instruction. The one-to-one tuition is supported by a Postgraduate Concert Practice session each week, and ensemble tuition in the other Performance Studies courses. There are also numerous opportunities to perform in concerts and outreach activities. Major Study in Conducting for Chinese Orchestras occurs in a mixed learning mode, which includes individual tuition, score preparation classes, and conducting seminars hosted by Major Study teachers, visiting artists, and guest conductors. It is supported by Postgraduate Conducting Practice, and students are also required to attend rehearsals of the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra and other visiting professional Chinese orchestras to observe advanced conducting and rehearsal techniques.

Provision for Double Major and Vocal Coaching A student who shows equal potential on two Major Study instruments may, in consultation with the Head of Department(s) concerned, apply to the Music Graduate Education Committee to be considered as a Double Major student. Double Major students receive 45 minutes of one-to-one tuition on each instrument, and they are required to divide the programmes of their graduation recitals equally between these two instruments. Vocal students may opt to receive 60 minutes of tuition with their Major Study teacher and 30 minutes with a vocal coach, subject to the approval of the Head of Voice.

MUPF 2005 Lecture Recital The lecture recital requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a synthesis of scholarship and practice. The student must integrate their Major Study performance with a well-structured and articulate oral presentation, supported by a PowerPoint presentation or handout.

Students are engaged in supervised research on a topic in performance that they select. They are responsible for the organisation, rehearsal, and presentation of the lecture, materials, and performance of the work.

Students receive 12 hours of individual supervision from an advisor assigned by the Music Graduate Education Committee. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain regular contact with the advisor and schedule appointments as necessary. In addition to individual supervision, the Research Methodology and Bibliography for Music and Postgraduate Music Seminars also support the Lecture Recital.

1 Jun 2011 MUPF 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Postgraduate Concert Practice I, II, III, IV This course consists of weekly sessions in which students take turns performing before their teachers and peers in a concert setting. These sessions foster a critical awareness of issues in performance and help students develop confidence performing in front of an audience.

A full-time staff member (usually the Head of Department) leads discussions about the repertoire and performance with both the performer and audience. Major Study teachers often attend when their students are performing to provide additional feedback.

MUPF 2038 Lecture Demonstration (Conducting for Chinese Orchestras) The lecture demonstration requires conducting students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills towards a synthesis of scholarship and practice. The student must address a specific analytical, aesthetic, and/or technical aspect of conducting a work with a wellstructured and articulate oral presentation, supported by a PowerPoint presentation or handout.

Students are engaged in supervised research on a topic in conducting that they select. They are responsible for the organisation, rehearsal, and presentation of the lecture, materials, and performance of the work.

Students receive 12 hours of individual supervision from an advisor assigned by the Music Graduate Education Committee. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain regular contact with the advisor and schedule appointments as necessary. In addition to individual supervision, the Research Methodology and Bibliography for Music and Postgraduate Music Seminars also support the Lecture Demonstration.

MUPF 2039, 2040, 2041, 2042 Postgraduate Conducting Practice I, II, III, IV Conducting students must organise and present two conducting performances each semester with an ensemble(s) other than the Academy Chinese Orchestra.

The Major Study teacher or the Head of Chinese Music attends these performances and later discusses the conductor’s repertoire and performance in detail, offering constructive criticism, during the class. Whenever possible, video recordings are shown to enrich the discussion. These sessions foster a critical awareness of issues in performance and help students develop confidence conducting in front of an audience.

MUPF 2043, 2044 Aural and Musicianship Skills for Conductors I, II Aural perception is fundamental to all musical activities, whether creating through composing, re-creating through performance, or responding as a critical listener. This course helps students improve the aural and musicianship skills essential to a conductor when studying, rehearsing, and executing a musical score. Learning and teaching activities include independent practice of assigned aural, written, and keyboard exercises, in-class student performances of exercises with guidance for improvement from the instructor, conducting practice while other students perform short score reductions, short quizzes, and aural and keyboard drills.

MUPF 2010 Academy Symphony Orchestra Students studying orchestral instruments are expected to participate in the Academy Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra normally rehearses twice a week and introduces students to the major works in the Western orchestral repertoire. During Project Weeks, the normal academic timetable is suspended and there are intensive workshops with guest conductors, culminating in major orchestral concerts or opera productions.

MUPF 2014 Academy Chinese Orchestra Students studying Chinese orchestral instruments are expected to participate in the Academy Chinese Orchestra. The orchestra normally rehearses once a week and introduces students to repertoire in traditional, modern, and regional styles. Once a semester, there are intensive workshops with visiting artists and guest conductors leading to a major orchestral concert.

2 Jun 2011 MUPF 2018 Piano Accompaniment Class There is an immense repertoire of vocal and duo instrumental music for pianists that is not regularly studied as part of Chamber Music or Major Study lessons. All prospective performers and teachers benefit from learning to collaborate with other musicians on this repertoire. Practical work for this course includes performing with both singers and instrumentalists, sight-reading, and transposition.

Learning and teaching activities include self-directed partner and repertoire selections, and rehearsal of the chosen compositions; in-class performances, followed by verbal self and peer assessments; coachings and demonstrations by the instructor, with questions for discussion concerning the musical structure, subtler details, mood and character, ensembleship difficulties, and interpretation; and participation in opera, choral, orchestral, and conducting rehearsals, as well as in concert/conducting practice classes, as directed by the lecturer.

MUPF 2022 Opera Performance This course provides singers with performance experience in staging Western opera productions. Vocal students in all programmes of study perform as cast in public performances. In addition to participation in Academy productions, chorus work in productions of a professional opera company may also form part of this course.

Learning and teaching activities include individual coachings for solo parts and group rehearsals with the other soloists and/or chorus, cast production rehearsals with the conductor and orchestra, and stage movement lessons with the director, as required.

MUPF 2026 Chamber Music Western instrumental performance majors are strongly encouraged to participate in chamber music as a vital component of their training. Through rehearsals, coachings, and performances, students gain practical experience in collaborative music making. They have the freedom to form their own groups with colleagues and can elect to participate in a maximum of two chamber groups per semester, receiving one credit for each group. One coach is assigned to each group.

Learning and teaching activities include independent practice and ensemble rehearsals, regular coachings with the assigned instructor, and informal concert practice/formal Academy concert performances, as directed by the coach.

MUPF2027 Instrumental Ensemble Western instrumental performance majors are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the School’s many regular ensembles as a vital component of their training.

Learning and teaching activities include regular rehearsals conducted by the ensemble director and informal/formal concert performances.

MUPF 2028 Vocal Ensemble Voice majors are strongly encouraged to participate in a vocal ensemble as a vital component of their training. Through rehearsals, coachings, and performances, students gain practical experience in collaborative music making. They have the freedom to form their own groups with colleagues and can elect to participate in a maximum of two vocal ensembles per semester, receiving one credit for each group. One coach is assigned to each group.

Learning and teaching activities include independent practice and ensemble rehearsals, regular coachings with the assigned instructor, and informal concert practice/formal Academy concert performances, as directed by the coach.

3 Jun 2011 MUPF 2029 Keyboard Continuo Playing There is an immense repertoire of pre-1800 vocal and instrumental music for keyboard continuo players that is not regularly studied as part of Piano Accompaniment Class, Chamber Music, and Major Study lessons. All prospective performers and teachers benefit from learning to collaborate with other musicians on this repertoire. Practical work includes continuo realisation, sight- and clef-reading, transposition, and performing with both singers and instrumentalists.

Learning and teaching activities include independent practice of assigned class exercises; inclass student performances of compositions, with peer and recording comparisons; group demonstrations and one-on-one coachings with the instructor; class discussions concerning different continuo styles, interpretations, and qualities; and participation in Baroque ensemble, opera, and chorus rehearsals, as well as in concert practice classes, as directed by the lecturer.

MUPF 2030 Professional Orchestral Internship This course enables students to rehearse and perform with a professional orchestra in the form of secondment for all of the rehearsals and performances for one concert programme within an orchestral season.

Learning and teaching activities occur in the form of daily orchestral rehearsals over a two week period, followed by public performances.

MUPF 2031 Professional Activities This course encourages students in all Major Study areas to perform publicly, in different contexts and for various occasions, in order to gain experience in developing balanced and innovative concert programmes prior to their graduation recital. With support from their Major Study teacher, students cultivate self-directed learning skills towards their final performance(s).

MUPF 2032 Academy Choir Students at the postgraduate level are encouraged to join the Academy Choir to participate in a large vocal ensemble and explore choral repertoire in diverse styles, including cantatas, requiems, oratorios, opera choruses, and Negro spirituals, among many others. The Choir normally rehearses once a week and additional workshops with guest conductors may be scheduled, culminating in formal and informal choral concerts or concerts in conjunction with the Academy Orchestra.

MUPF 2033 Chinese Regional Ensemble: Cantonese Music Cantonese music is one of the most popular regional ensembles in southern China, notable for its lively and delicate performing style. Students majoring in Chinese instrumental performance are strongly encouraged to participate in regional ensemble music as a vital component of their training. In consultation with the Head of Department or appropriate teaching staff, students are assigned to Cantonese ensembles at the beginning of each semester. The coach introduces the repertoire and appropriate performing style. The School also invites visiting artists to host workshops leading to concerts.

Learning and teaching activities include independent practice and ensemble rehearsals, regular coachings with the assigned instructor, and informal concert practice/formal Academy concert performances, as directed by the coach.

4 Jun 2011 MUPF 2034 Chinese Regional Ensemble: Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Music Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music is one of the most well-known Chinese regional ensembles, practised in Shanghai and its nearby cities. Traditional repertoire of this ensemble is mainly transmitted by musicians who play the music for their own enjoyment. Students majoring in Chinese instrumental performance are strongly encouraged to participate in regional ensemble music as a vital component of their training. In consultation with the Head of Department or appropriate teaching staff, students are assigned to Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo ensembles at the beginning of each semester. The coach introduces the repertoire and appropriate performing style. The School also invites visiting artists to host workshops leading to concerts.

Learning and teaching activities include independent practice and ensemble rehearsals, regular coachings with the assigned instructor, and informal concert practice/formal Academy concert performances, as directed by the coach.

MUPF 2035 Chinese Small Ensemble Chinese instrumental performance majors are strongly encouraged to study traditional and modern ensemble music as a vital component of their training. Through rehearsals, coachings, and performances, students gain practical experience in collaborative music making. They have the freedom to form their own groups with colleagues and can elect to participate in a maximum of two chamber groups per semester, receiving one credit for each group. One coach is assigned to each group.

Learning and teaching activities include independent practice and ensemble rehearsals, regular coachings with the assigned instructor, and informal concert practice/formal Academy concert performances, as directed by the coach.

MUPF 2037 Academy Zheng Ensemble Guzheng is a Chinese plucked string instrument characterised by its wide register and comprehensive playing techniques. The Academy Zheng Ensemble explores the potential of guzheng as the main instrument in an ensemble. The weekly two-hour rehearsal of the ensemble introduces students to major works of the traditional and modern repertoire.

Learning and teaching activities include regular rehearsals with the ensemble director and concert performances, with additional workshops hosted by visiting artists.

MUPF 2045 Advanced Chinese Orchestration This course examines how orchestration can express and enhance musical forms in Chinese music. Students study orchestral works in the standard repertoire to develop an understanding of the instrumentation in the Chinese Orchestra and other genres and forms of Chinese Music, exploring possibilities of textures, tone colours, and unconventional uses of orchestral instruments. The course discusses the use of extended instrumental techniques, and electronics and computer sounds in scoring for Chinese Orchestras. Issues specific to conductors, such as the preparation of parts and rehearsing, are also examined. Students give a seminar presentation on an orchestration project based upon pre-existing materials, such as piano music and orchestral pieces originally scored for Western orchestra.

MUPF 2046 Analysis of Traditional Chinese Music This course investigates the musical form and structure in traditional Chinese music. It also covers the use of these elements in contemporary works scored for Chinese Orchestra. The lecturer introduces major concepts and theories in analysing formal and structural elements, and students examine these characteristics in orchestral scores, as selected by the lecturer, for discussion in the seminar, focusing upon the ways in which the elements of traditional music are adapted in contemporary compositions for Chinese ensembles.

Students also give a seminar presentation on the use of traditional elements in selected contemporary works for Chinese Orchestra, as well as the ways in which a performer or conductor prepares these works for rehearsals and performances, complete with a written report of their presentation.

5 Jun 2011 MUPF 2047 Conducting (Choral) This course provides a platform for students to master advanced practical skills for conducting choral music. Students conduct selected works or excerpts from the standard choral literature in a laboratory setting. Students may also have opportunities to work with the Academy Choir or a choir in the Academy Junior Music Programme.

MUPF 2048 Conducting (Western Instrumental) This course provides a platform for students to master advanced practical skills for conducting Western orchestras and concert bands. Students conduct selected works or excerpts from the standard Western orchestral and band literature in a laboratory setting. Students may also have opportunities to work with the Academy Orchestra, Academy Junior Orchestra, Academy Concert Band, or Academy Junior Band. If enrolment numbers permit, composers may be assigned to their own individual class section.

MUPF 2049 Literature of Chinese Orchestral Music The modern Chinese Orchestra is a large ensemble that has developed since the 1920s. It began as an expansion of traditional ensembles, borrowing structural and organizational features from the Western symphony orchestra. By the second half of the twentieth century, the modern Chinese Orchestra has emerged as the principal type of large ensemble in Chinese music.

This course examines the development of the modern Chinese Orchestra and the stylistic characteristics of its repertoire. The lecturer introduces major concepts and historical issues, and students study the characteristics of the repertoire through assigned score analyses and readings. Students also give a seminar presentation on the musical styles of the orchestral pieces that they are going to perform or conduct in concert performances, complete with a written report of their presentation.

MUIS 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Independent Study I, II, III, IV Students may seek approval from the School of Music Graduate Education Committee to undertake a research or performance project for academic credit on an independent study basis. Such projects cannot be completed as part of an existing course, but they can be completed by the student working independently with guidance from an academic staff member. A student may also apply for substituting independent study project(s) for one (or more) of the Performance or Academic Studies courses in order to fulfil the credit requirements of the curriculum.

Permission to undertake an independent study project is a privilege granted to students who have previously demonstrated their ability to work with limited supervision. The student wishing to undertake the project must submit a form for Independent Study and secure approval of the proposal from the potential advisor of the project. The proposal is then submitted to the Music Graduate Education Committee for final approval. The number of credits is based on the scope and intellectual rigour of the project. The project normally leads to a final paper, lecture demonstration, or performance by the student.

Students prepare a list of reading, listening materials, and/or performance repertoire, in consultation with their advisor. Students must make individual appointments with their advisor to assist them in preparing the paper, lecture demonstration, or performance. The student must outline the format and length/duration of the final project presentation in their proposal. The project will be graded by the advisor.

6 Jun 2011