MU5004 - Recital 1

What will I learn on this module?

This module is focused on your individual, one-to-one instrumental or vocal tuition. You will develop your technique while enhancing skills in performing music which will enable you to communicate effectively with an audience in a recital open to the general public. The seminars will focus on how to structure a recital programme and how to write effective programme notes. You will continue to engage critically with musical performance through attendance at concerts, recitals and open rehearsals, focusing especially on programme structure.

How will I learn on this module?

You will receive weekly one-to-one tuition from a specialist in your instrument or voice in which you will develop the technical, artistic, aesthetic and expressive skills needed for the communication of a coherent recital programme to an audience of the general public. This will be supported by weekly seminars covering topics related to programme planning, research and writing for non-specialist audiences. The seminars will also provide a forum in which you will perform to your peers, and support them in turn through feedback on their performances. You will attend concerts, recitals and open rehearsals to experience a variety of music, with a particular focus on programming.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

The Module Tutor acts as Student Performance Coordinator for all performance modules, and will offer guidance and support in your performance studies throughout the degree.

Your instrumental/vocal tutor will provide expert advice on repertoire development and technique, and will encourage you to think about a stylistic approach to the interpretation of the music you will be performing, as well as helping you develop your recital programming. The teaching will be centred on your development as a performer.

Music staff contributing to the seminars will offer guidance on researching a programme, and how to communicate effectively in writing to a non-specialist audience. Music staff are accessible within publicised office hours and via email.

Your peers will provide you will a collaborative learning environment, providing support, encouragement and feedback on your playing or singing in the context of the seminars.

Your programme leader will guide you through the requirements and expectations of your course. You will also be supported through individual engagement with the resources available on the eLearning Portal.

Formative feedback will be on-going throughout seminar activities.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• You will demonstrate knowledge of repertoire for your instrument/voice, an understanding of how to construct an effective recital programme, and how to communicate to differing audiences through the written word.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• You will develop artistic, technical, aesthetic and expressive skills necessary to communicate music convincingly to an audience of the general public, and the ability to explore creative links between scholarly research, analytical reflection, and processes of performing.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

• You will demonstrate a professionalism that embraces the ethical issues surrounding performing such as contractual obligations and commitment, respecting others, and copyright.
• You will demonstrate the self-motivation to acquire new skills and consolidate existing ones through regular practice, and a willingness to monitor and assess progress in a spirit of self-critical awareness, responding positively to the feedback and criticism of others while maintaining confidence in your own ability.
• You will develop a capacity for leadership and an ability to work within teams in music, developing skills which are transferable to other contexts.

How will I be assessed?

1. FORMATIVE: there are regular in-class opportunities to perform and with formative feeback from both staff and fellow students.
2. Lecture recital (15mins): 30%. You will deliver a lecture recital on an aspect (or aspects) of one or more of the works you are to perform in your recital, which will be illustrated with musical demonstrations MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4.

3. Public Recital: 70%. At the end of the module, there will be a performance examination where you will play or sing a programme of your choice lasting no longer than 20 minutes. This performance will be accompanied by a general programme note. MLOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Feedback will be in the form of an examiners’ report.

Pre-requisite(s)

MU4002 Performance 1

Co-requisite(s)

MU5003 Performance 2

Module abstract

In your one-to-one individual instrumental/vocal lessons you will prepare a 20-minute recital open to the general public. Seminars will provide you with opportunities to perform to your peers and receive critical feedback in a mutually supportive environment, and will cover programming and how to write about your programme for specialist and non-specialist audiences. You will reflect on performance through attendance at concerts, recitals and open rehearsals, focusing especially on programme structure.

Course info

UCAS Code W320

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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