Unit 32:

Unit code: QCF level: Credit value:

Music Performance Skil ls

M/601/1315 5 15

︎ Unit aim This unit aims to enable learners to develop their performance skills effectively in a professional musical environment. ︎ Unit abstract The skills of a performer are developed through practice and the experience of performing. It involves the preparation and presentation of a varied repertoire in group and solo performance. It encompasses techniques of memory, communication, control of tension, improvisation and critical listening, building on growing instrumental or vocal ability. When coupled with the analysis of effective practice, improving performances will develop. Exploring and discovering a varied repertoire is an important element of performers acquiring good musicianship and overall performance skills. Self-evaluation and criticism during rehearsal, practice and performance will build up expertise. Performers will need to express their ideas and interpretations to others in their group. Being able to take direction during rehearsal with attention to detail is an important skill for all musicians to develop. On completing this unit learners will have improved their rehearsal and practice disciplines within the music performance arena. ︎ Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

1. 1 Be able to perform solo instrumental or vocal skills 2. 2 Be able to develop group performance skills 3. 3 Be able to perform instrumental or vocal skills in a varied repertoire 4. 4 Be able to develop effective and relevant rehearsal techniques.

UNIT 32: MUSIC PERFORMANCE SKILLS BH029654 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music – Issue 2 – October 2011 © Pearson Education Limited 2011

UNIT 32: MUSIC PERFORMANCE SKILLS

Unit content 1. 1 Be able to perform solo instrumental or vocal skills

Technique and control: musical skills eg aural memory, practice and preparation, fluency, concentration, focus, stage presence, overall instrument control Accuracy: technique eg articulation, rhythm, pitch, intonation, dynamics, phrasing, timing, regular practice leading to improvement Improvisation: technique eg empathy, listening and responding, different stimuli, awareness of underlying harmonic and rhythmic structure, form and direction

2. 2 Be able to develop group performance skills Communication: non-verbal eg with other players and audience, musical communication, verbal and non-verbal communication, group dynamic and organisation Control: technique eg posture and eye contact, concentration, focus, groove, tempo and timekeeping Critical listening: musical skills eg tuning, intonation, sound awareness of own performance

3. 3 Be able to perform instrumental or vocal skills in a varied repertoire Variety: pieces eg range of styles and forms, both group and solo, from appropriate genres Stylistic: conventions eg genre specific, interpretation, dynamics and tempo, appropriate sound and timbre Solo and group: technique eg appropriate programme material in a range of styles, representative selection of pieces including technical studies, demonstrating appropriate level of difficulty

4. 4 Be able to develop effective and relevant rehearsal techniques Musical: outcome eg leading rehearsal and decision making, working effectively with other members of the group, identifying and eradicating mistakes constructively and effectively, musical detail, controlling the performance, collective accomplishment Musical material: ideas eg production decisions, variety of interpretive ideas, accuracy in detail, critical musical decisions dependent on group capabilities, devising new sounds, timbres, harmonies, chord sequences, solos Arranging: technique eg cover arrangements, creative arrangement ideas, recreation of sound and feel, producing musical material

BH029654 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music – Issue 2 – October 2011 © Pearson Education Limited 2011

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria UNIT 32: MUSIC PERFORMANCE SKILLS

Learning outcomes On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

Assessment criteria for pass The learner can:

LO1Be able to perform solo instrumental or vocal skills

1. 1.1 exhibit considered and controlled instrumental or vocal technique

2. 1.2 display musical accuracy in performance 3. 1.3 show considered and controlled musical skills

in improvisation

LO2Be able to develop group performance skills

1. 2.1 display positive communication skills in group performance

2. 2.2 exhibit confidence of control over performance in a group environment

3. 2.3 demonstrate critical listening skills and evaluate group performance

LO3Be able to perform instrumental or vocal skills in a varied repertoire

1. 3.1 show considered and controlled approaches to performing a variety of pieces

2. 3.2 produce stylistic conventions appropriate to chosen repertoire

3. 3.3 create appropriate repertoire for group and solo performance

LO4Be able to develop effective and relevant rehearsal techniques.

1. 4.1 demonstrate the creative process of directing other musicians in an accomplished group performance

2. 4.2 produce ideas to contribute to an accomplished group performance

3. 4.3 create suitable rehearsal material for cover arrangements and creative arrangements.

BH029654 – Edexcel BTEC Levels 4 and 5 Higher Nationals specification in Music – Issue 2 – October 2011 © Pearson Education Limited 2011