Master of Arts (Music Performance)

Course code: 3059 ~ Course abbreviation: MAMusPerf ~ 1.5 years full-time, 3 years part-time ~ Managing faculty: Arts

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Clayton)

Course description

Candidates must complete 24 points of coursework at level 5 and a portfolio.

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.

Minimum pass grade

The minimum pass grade for each component of the Master of Arts (Music Composition) is 60 C (credit).

Course structure

Course requirements

Students must take the following two core units:

• MUM5020 Directed reading in music (12-points)
• MUM5060 Research project (12-points)

In addition, students must complete a portfolio comprising a 60-minute solo or solo and ensemble recital (66 per cent), which is recorded on compact disc and submitted with a recital annotation booklet (1500 words, 10 per cent) and a research essay (9000 words, 24 per cent) 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.

Credit for prior studies

If the applicant can demonstrate that they have undertaken a unit equivalent to MUM5020 (Directed reading in music) or MUM5060 (Research project in musicology or ethnomusicology) at level 5 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.

Contact details

Course coordinators

Dr Joel Crotty and Fintan Murphy