MUS20520 UCD Choral Scholars Spring 2024-25

Academic Year 2024/2025

This module offers students already awarded a choral scholarship in Semester 1 the opportunity to participate in the UCD Choral Scholars ensemble as a creditable module across levels 1-3. The Scholars perform regularly both in UCD and at concerts and engagements nationally and abroad. Repertoire explored is diverse, embracing music from renaissance polyphony to new works for choir, and includes both 'a capella' singing and orchestral/choral works. There are 18 places altogether, a certain number of which become available on a yearly basis. Admission is by audition at the start of semester 1.

An application form (and information on the scholarship) is available online at http://www.ucdchoralscholars.ie/ (click on the Recruitment tab for the form). Registration alone does not guarantee participation. You should have secured a place in September by AUDITION.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Participation in this module will enable students to:
- Encourage new and innovative approaches to personal musical practice;
- Approach the development of repertoire within a group over a limited time frame;
- Develop their musical communication skills in rehearsal;
- Consider aspects of group dynamics and collaboration in rehearsal;
- Explore a wide variety of choral repertoire each semester;
- Perform an concert programme together at the end of the semester.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Practical

76
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
A variety of pedagogical methodologies are employed, ranging from the use of kinaesthetic practices, to one-voice-per-part singing. Students are taught best practices for self-directed learning, empowering them to grow and to achieve greater success; a professional culture of collaborative performance is fostered through recording and performance activities of the Choral Scholars schedule. The nature of ensemble rehearsal is that constructive criticism and feedback is provided as the music is made, understood, and shaped. The environment of complex ensemble collaboration also provides an opportunity for students to engage in peer learning. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Concert, video shoot or recording. Week 12 Graded No

20

 No
Group Work Assignment: Contribution to rehearsals in preparation for concert, video shoot or recording. Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11 Graded No

50

 No
Practical Skills Assessment: Small group assessment within regular rehearsal schedule. Week 10 Graded No

30

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The study of collaborative ensemble singing develops technical assurance, explores mutual artistic endeavour, and explores the study of performance-practice standards and styles. The nature of ensemble rehearsal is that constructive criticism and feedback is provided as the music is made, understood, and shaped. Priorities change on the basis of the sound of the ensemble achieved in the moment. As this is a chamber-choir setting, the conductor can easily hear and see the practical music-making of each student in the ensemble, and can assist with development in rehearsal studio. Some peer review (one-voice-per-part) repertoire exploration is undertaken.