Monash University: University Handbooks: Postgraduate handbook 2005: Units indexed by faculty
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Postgraduate handbook 2005 - Arts

Master of Arts (Music Performance) by coursework and research

Course code: 3059 + Course fees: domestic students - fee-waived RTS places available + 18 months full-time, 3 years part-time
Coordinators: Joel Crotty and Fintan Murphy

Course description

This course is intended to offer students the opportunity to carry out a project on an approved topic in music performance research by preparing a well-researched, high-quality recital performance of challenging works which are recorded and submitted as part of a portfolio along with a program booklet and explanatory research essay for examination. Music performance research is a relatively newly developing area of endeavour in many universities. Students are trained in advanced critical thinking and research planning and methods and are guided to carry out a unified research program with performance and written outcomes.
On completion, students should have developed instrumental or vocal performance skills and self-confidence to the level required for professional performance, have widened their knowledge of repertoire and style, have acquired appropriate skills in research and writing, and be able to apply experience gained in the course to the community as leading musicians.

Entry requirements

To be admitted into the course, students should normally have a BMus(Hons) or equivalent with first class honours (H2) or high second class honours (2A), or a Masters Qualifying (Music Performance) with an overall grade of H2A or above as well as a distinction or above in the research component, or equivalent. Two confidential professional references are required on the appropriate form, to be completed by people who have known the applicant over at least a year and forwarded directly to the School of Music - Conservatorium, not to the applicant.
A 45-minute audition is also required for all applicants (fee $40). Auditions take place in May and November each year. Applicants enrolled in the school's level four chief practical studies units MUS4960 or MUM4990 may regard their final recital examination as being in lieu of an audition. The level and duration of the audition needs to match the expectations of the school's level four final practical examination; ie applicants will play major repertoire and a variety of compositional styles.
In the case of overseas or interstate students, a video recording of a performance will be accepted for consideration of entry in lieu of an audition. However, the video must be recorded in one session, be uncut, and be accompanied by a statutory declaration.

Advanced standing

Credit is not normally allowed for the 66% research degree. However, if the applicant can demonstrate that they have undertaken a unit equivalent to MUM5020 or MUM5060 at level five and that this unit has not been used to take out a degree or an award of any kind, credit may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Course structure

Students must take the following two core units:

In addition, students must complete a portfolio comprising a 60-minute solo or solo and ensemble recital (66%), which is recorded on compact disc and submitted with a recital annotation booklet (1500 words, 10%) and a research essay (9000 words, 24%) in a bound folder.
Full-time candidates are required to attend a minimum of 10 of the school's postgraduate seminars during each year of their candidature. Part-time candidates are required to attend a minimum of five seminars per year.

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