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Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) (MC-MUSORP)
Masters (Coursework)Year: 2019 Delivered: On Campus (Southbank)
About this course
Principal Coordinator
Richard Davis
Overview
Award title | Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) |
---|---|
Year & campus | 2019 — Southbank |
CRICOS code | 094859D |
Fees information | Subject EFTSL, level, discipline and census date |
Study level & type | Graduate Coursework |
AQF level | 9 |
Credit points | 200 credit points |
Duration | 24 months full-time |
The Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) is a practice-based coursework degree that prepares students for specialist careers in the area of orchestral performance. The degree takes 24 months full-time to complete and is delivered through an industry partnership between the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (MCM) and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO). Candidates participate in ensembles and classes at the MCM, study the inner-workings of an orchestra’s management through classes with MSO staff, and participate in a capstone Work Integrated Learning experience through rehearsals and performances with the MSO.
Entry requirements
1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
- an audition;
AND - an undergraduate degree in any discipline; OR
- at least 6 years of documented, relevant professional experience.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.
2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
- the audition; and
- prior academic performance; and
- if relevant, the professional experience
3. The selection committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.
4. Applicants are required to satisfy the University’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.
Note: Successful admission to the degree is dependent on a suitable spread of instruments across all sections of the orchestra; consequently, places will be available based on available places in that instrument group at the time of selection.
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The Melbourne Conservatorium of Music welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music policy to take reasonable steps to make adjustments so as to enable the student’s participation in the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s programs. The Music degree involves acquisition and refinement of musical knowledge and practice. All students of Music must possess intellectual, ethical, physical and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music.
A candidate for the MMus (Orchestral Performance) degree must have abilities and skills that include the following:
- Well-developed proficiency on a musical instrument. This instrumental proficiency is initially measured at the application stage by audition into the Master of Music (Orchestral Performance) and requires satisfactory demonstration of a well-developed level of physical control of the instrument;
- Well-developed music literacy. A candidate must be capable of reading music notation fluently in standard musical notation;
- Aural discrimination skills. A candidate needs to have well developed-hearing skills to ensure that the aural requirements essential to the study of Music can be met;
- The ability to comprehend complex music information and material independently. A candidate needs to possess an appropriate level of cognition to deal with required material relating to the theory and history of Music; this material may be in written, aural or schematised forms;
- The capacity to communicate clearly a knowledge and application of music principles and practice in assessment activities and the ability to function as part of a musical team. A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full use of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all responsibilities required by the course. All candidates need to be aware of their personal limitations and when and where to seek professional advice or supervision. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing musical practice and to function effectively under stress and isolation in musical preparation. They must also be able to function effectively as part of a musical ensemble, to adapt to changing environments, and to display flexibility.
- Behavioural and social attributes. Candidates must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of others. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.
Students who feel their disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this course, graduates will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills and be able to:
- achieve a professional level standard in their orchestral ensemble performance and recording skills as required of an elite professional orchestral instrumentalist;
- achieve a professional level standard in rehearsal conduct and etiquette;
- become a highly-skilled and highly-aware ensemble musician, with a thorough knowledge of performance styles and current practice;
- critically evaluate past and present performance practices;
- develop a depth of familiarity with the symphonic canon;
- develop artistic flexibility and appreciation for alternative interpretations;
- develop an understanding of how to perform in situations in which the orchestra performs an accompanying role (e.g. concerto, opera, ballet, and film repertoire);
- understand how to learn and prepare new works;
- understand and develop the mental and emotional capabilities necessary for consistent skill execution and positive performance experiences;
- demonstrate team-work and collaborative music making;
- develop communication skills towards ensemble cohesion and respect;
- establish entrepreneurial skills for early career orchestral musicians, and develop and expand outreach projects that engage various communities (e.g., amateur musicians, music students, general public);
- develop complementary skills, knowledge, and understandings of the roles and responsibilities of various aspects of orchestral administration (e.g., artistic development, philanthropy, music library, education outreach, labor negotiations, and contracts);
- develop the confidence necessary to perform under pressure in audition, recording, and performance settings;
- gain the ability to intelligentlly and persuasively promote an appreciation of the orchestra as an artistic vehicle; and
- identify, prevent and manage health risks resulting from playing an instrument for extended time periods.
Generic skills
The University expects its postgraduate coursework graduates to have the following qualities and skills:
- An advanced understanding of the changing knowledge base in the specialist area;
- An ability to evaluate and synthesise the research and professional literature in the discipline;
- Advanced skills and techniques applicable to the discipline;
- Well-developed problem-solving abilities in the discipline area, characterised by flexibility of approach;
- Advanced competencies in areas of professional expertise and/or scholarship;
- A capacity to articulate their knowledge and understanding in presentations;
- An advanced understanding of the international context and sensitivities of the specialist area;
- A capacity to manage competing demands on time, including self-directed project work;
- A profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship;
- An appreciation of the ways in which advanced knowledge equips the student to offer leadership in the specialist area;
- The capacity to value and participate in projects which require team-work;
- An understanding of the significance and value of their knowledge to the wider community (including business and industry);
- A capacity to engage where appropriate with issues in contemporary society.
Course structure
Progression from Year 1 to Year 2 of the MMus (Orchestral Performance) requires: a passing mark for Orchestral Performance Practicum 1.
Subject options
Year 1: Semester 1
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MUSI90217 | Orchestral Experience 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
18.75 |
MUSI90218 | Musician's Health | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
18.75 |
MUSI90219 | Orchestra Administration | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
Year 1: Semester 2
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MUSI90220 | Orchestral Experience 2 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
18.75 |
MUSI90221 | Orchestral Performance Practicum 1 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
6.25 |
MUSI90222 | Preliminary Orchestra Audition Prep | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
MUSI90223 | Optimal Performance Under Pressure | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
Year 2: Semester 1
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MUSI90224 | Orchestral Experience 3 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
18.75 |
MUSI90227 | Orchestral Performance Practicum 2 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
6.25 |
MUSI90225 | Music Outreach & Social Entrepreneurship | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
Plus an elective (12.5 points) to be selected from MCM’s current level 9 subject offerings
MUSI90148 MUSI90196 MUSI90238 MUSI90144 MUSI90093 MUSI90094 MUSI90191 MUSI90006 MUSI90018
Year 2: Semester 2
Code | Name | Study period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MUSI90226 | Orchestral Experience 4 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
18.75 |
MUSI90229 | Orchestral Performance Practicum 3 | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
MUSI90228 | Advanced Orchestra Audition Prep | Semester 2 (On Campus - Southbank) |
18.75 |
Please note that the following are capstone subjects:
- MUSI90221 - Orchestral Performance Practicum 1 (Capstone Part 1);
- MUSI90227 - Orchestral Performance Practicum 2 (Capstone Part 2); and
- MUSI90229 - Orchestral Performance Practicum 3 (Capstone Part 3).
Last updated: 3 June 2023