Performance (Classical, Jazz & Popular) MMus

This module will allow you to consolidate knowledge gained through your undergraduate study and/or professional experience. You will focus on producing a performance which is informed by research. The exact focus of your research informed performance will be decided by you through discussion with the tutors. Teaching on this module will be primarily by tutors who are also industry professionals. They will be able to share their own diverse experience of research informed practice as well as help you identify the focus of your own project. 

This module is designed to develop skills organising and directing an ensemble. You will play music with your peers and other members of the LCM community. You will combine practice, discussion, co-operative learning and reflection in directed workshop sessions. You will be required to work in a group with their peers, taking a range of roles in the group. At times you will direct the ensemble, on other occasions you will be required to be a musician under the lead of another director and at times you will work as a co-operative group. These will prepare you for the role of musical director in a series of rehearsals and a final performance. 

Through analysis, critical thinking, the study of creative and reflective practice, and reading and discussion of a number of enlightening texts you will learn to develop your status as an informed practitioner, greatly expanding your awareness of your own work and the social, political, and musical contexts that it inhabits. During group lectures and seminars you will study a series of important practitioners with an emphasis on analysis and critical thinking.

You will be trained in research methods and critical methodology as preparation for undertaking research that supports and advances the project work in your course. You will define, articulate and critically reflect upon the research concerns of your own practice, thereby underpinning and enhancing your knowledge and understanding of your chosen field of study. You will present your work at the multi-disciplinary LCM postgraduate conference.

This module combines performance workshops, individual instrumental classes and lectures/seminars to prepare for a performance which showcases practitioner skills underpinned by research. You will build on skills developed in Research Informed Performance and Ensemble and Musical Direction Skills. You will focus on producing a performance which is informed by research and demonstrate your professional development as a practitioner. Additionally, you will be challenged to consider how social media can be used in the decision-making and promotion processes related to your performance context. 

For this module you will undertake an ambitious and self-managed large-scale practical project on a topic of your choice. The project will be framed by a study of contemporary research around your topic, and will be designed to expand and enhance the skills and knowledge around a specialised area. The project makes an excellent showcase to kickstart your future career.

The Studio Recording module gives you the opportunity to engage in the development, management and execution of a music production project. The course will be taught in the recording studio and will combine practice with theory. 

The module will combine practical skills in the studio environment with reflection and analysis of the interactions that occur within the recording environment. Consideration will be given to different models of recording and the significance of the socio-cultural interactions that occur in the recording environment. Focus will be on the role of the artist producer, in recognition of the likely career paths of performers. You will develop your skills through practice and consideration of case studies of artist producers. 

Research suggests that the majority of musicians earn a significant proportion of their income through teaching and, therefore, knowledge and experience should be considered an important addition to the skill-set. This module provides an excellent opportunity for you to test your potential as a music educator. We intend to give you a flavour of working in education, researching into pedagogical ideas and equipping you with valuable skills that are transferable to your career.

The songwriting module gives you the opportunity to engage in the development, management and execution of a polished, professional song portfolio. Drawing upon a myriad of songwriting techniques, you will develop a portfolio of original material showcasing your unique creative voice. The course will combine case studies, group and individual compositional tasks, co-operative working and peer evaluation to help you form your individual project.