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Learning Outcomes

TopThis module will investigate the skills involved in both writing and commenting critically about music and look at the various platforms for such criticism (i.e. print and broadcast media, social networking, assessment reportwriting). It will also study how performers and audiences react to criticism and assess its effect on music in performance.

Prerequisites

TopA second-year sequence of modules in either Music History or the history of a related Arts discipline

Teaching Modes

TopThe module is delivered by means of one 2-hour lecture/tutorial session each week.

Schedule

TopFull schedule is available on the Module Handbook found in the Module Workbin on IVLE

Synopsis

TopThis module aims to equip students with an understanding and appreciation of the history, craft, function and reception of music criticism in its diverse forms. It will do this by studying the social history of music reception, investigating the skills involved in both writing and commenting critically about music, and identifying the various platforms for such criticism (ie print and broadcast media, social networking, assessment report-writing). It will also study how performers and audiences react to criticism and assess its effect on music in performance

Syllabus

TopSupported by a variety of texts and published critical commentaries, the first half of the module covers the history and context of musical criticism and identifies its purpose and function. Philosophical and ethical issues relating to music criticism are discussed as is the changing role of music criticism and its value in relation to contemporary society. The second half of the module is of a more practical nature, and teaches critical skills such as listening, writing and assessing. Relevant vocabularies will be taught while inappropriate and ambiguous terminology highlighted.

Practical Work

TopAttendance at concerts and recitals as specified during the lectures
Attednance at all Monday Noon Recitals

Assessment

Top• Attendance (10%) • Written assignments (90%) o An essay on the History and Development of Music Criticism, with particular reference to the value of Music Criticism on Social Media (750 words) o A “live” concert review (500 words) o A comparative review of two recorded performances of the same work (1200 words) Criteria for assessment will include issues of layout (please refer to the specific module instructions about “Presentation of Written Work”), word count, vocabulary, evidence of critical listening and objective assessment and evidence of appropriate background research. Deadlines will be RIGIDLY ENFORCED and inflexible.

Workload

Top1-2-0-1.5-3

Workload Components : A-B-C-D-E
A: no. of lecture hours per week
B: no. of tutorial hours per week
C: no. of lab hours per week
D: no. of hours for projects, assignments, fieldwork etc per week
E: no. of hours for preparatory work by a student per week