Postgraduate - Course3059 - Master of Arts (Music Performance)

Candidature in a master's degree involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the candidate. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the discipline in which the candidate is enrolled by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Candidates are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their candidature.

Music performance research is a relatively new and 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.

Successful completion of the program will signify that the holder has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the candidate's capacity to carry out independent research.

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.

In addition to the above, students completing the orchestral studies stream will be better prepared for a career in the highly specialised area of orchestral performance.

If the applicant can demonstrate that they have undertaken a unit equivalent to APG5836 (Directed reading in music), APG5840 (Research project in musicology or ethnomusicology), APG5161 (Research project in orchestral studies 1) or APG5162 (Research project in orchestral studies 2) 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. Units completed more than 10 years prior to application for admission will not be granted credit unless otherwise determined by the Associate Dean (Graduate Research) of the Faculty of Arts.

66 per cent

Candidature rules

For all candidature rules and other important information for research master's candidates refer to the Handbook for Research Master's DegreesHandbook for Research Master's Degrees (http://www.monash.edu/migr/research-degrees/handbook/masters).

This course consists of:

• a research and performance portfolio component
• coursework study component.

Candidates must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(a.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the school of enrolment in the candidate's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the relevant department/school

(b.) submit for assessment a thesis as outlined below for the student's chosen stream which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work may be permitted.

Creative work or performance and a written critical commentary will form part of this assessment.

Orchestral studies stream

Submit a portfolio conforming to one of the following options:

• Option 1 - 60-minute recital, plus a 45-minute DVD submission of a mock audition consisting of orchestral excerpts and a movement from a solo concerto, and a 3000 word written critical commentary.
• Option 2 - 60-minute recital, plus a 30-minute DVD submission of a mock audition consisting of orchestral excerpts and a movement from a solo concerto, and a 5000 word written critical commentary.
• Option 3 - 60-minute recital, plus a 9000 word written critical commentary.

Solo performance stream

Submit a portfolio comprising a 60-minute solo or solo and ensemble recital (65 per cent), which is recorded on compact disc and submitted with a recital annotation booklet of 1500 words (10 per cent) and a research essay of 9000 words (25 per cent) in a bound folder.

(c.) satisfactorily complete coursework units as outlined below for the student's chosen stream*:

Orchestral studies stream

• APG5161 Research project in orchestral studies 1
• APG5162 Research project in orchestral studies 2

Solo performance stream

• APG5836 Directed reading in music
• APG5840 Research project in musicology or ethnomusicology

* Students must seek approval from the course coordinator if they wish to enrol in a unit/s which is not in their stream.

Master of Arts (Music Performance)