| NBMU3001 | Chamber Music L5 Chamber Music develops your collaborative, technical, and musical skills through the study and performance of ensemble repertoire. Through rehearsals, coaching, and performance opportunities, you will strengthen ensemble communication, musical balance, intonation, rhythmic cohesion, and interpretative awareness. The module encourages effective rehearsal strategies, collaborative decision-making, and an understanding of timbre, texture, and ensemble roles. As a pathway towards creative performance, it also introduces the professional practices required for successful chamber music making, helping you develop the practical and interpersonal skills needed to contribute effectively within an ensemble.
| 20 |
| NBMU4001 | Chamber Music L6 Chamber Music L6 builds on prior ensemble experience by developing greater artistic independence, interpretative depth, and professional awareness. Through rehearsals, coaching, and performance opportunities, you will refine ensemble communication, balance, intonation, rhythmic precision, and sensitivity to timbre and texture. The module encourages increasing responsibility for rehearsal planning, repertoire preparation, and collaborative decision-making, while supporting informed experimentation in repertoire selection and programme design. Through sustained ensemble practice, you will develop the collaborative and professional skills expected of advanced undergraduate musicians and emerging chamber performers.
| 20 |
| NBMU3002 | Creative Improvisation This module explores improvisation as a creative and collaborative practice, encouraging students to develop confidence, curiosity, and spontaneity in music-making. Through practical workshops and ensemble-based activities, students experiment with a range of improvisational approaches inspired by sound, movement, text, visual stimuli, and musical ideas. By fostering responsive listening, creative risk-taking, and artistic interaction, the module develops adaptable musicians who are able to engage with music-making in imaginative, flexible, and personally meaningful ways.
| 10 |
| NBMU3003 | Conducting This module introduces the art and practice of conducting, developing the musical, technical, and leadership skills required to guide and inspire an ensemble. Through the study of score preparation, rehearsal techniques, conducting gesture, and ensemble communication, students learn how to shape musical interpretation and lead performers with clarity and confidence. Combining practical experience with critical musical understanding, the module fosters artistic leadership, collaborative awareness, and a deeper appreciation of the conductor’s role in bringing music to life.
| 20 |
| NBMU3004 | Instrumental Accompaniment Instrumental Accompaniment develops the collaborative, technical, and musical skills required for pianists working with instrumental soloists across a range of performance contexts. Through rehearsals, coaching, and performance opportunities, you will explore repertoire including concerto reductions, orchestral reductions, and other instrumental works beyond the traditional sonata repertoire. The module develops stylistic awareness, rhythmic stability, balance, flexibility, and responsiveness to the needs of instrumental partners. Emphasis is placed on effective rehearsal strategies, score preparation, and professional working practices, equipping you with the practical and collaborative skills required for successful instrumental accompaniment in both educational and performance settings.
| 20 |
| NBMU3005 | Collaborative Piano Collaborative Piano develops the musical, collaborative, and professional skills required for pianists working with singers in vocal performance settings. Through repertoire coaching, song classes, rehearsals, and performance opportunities, you will explore the relationship between music and text while developing sensitivity to language, phrasing, breathing, ensemble balance, and expressive communication. The module emphasises artistic partnership, stylistic awareness, and effective rehearsal practices, fostering the responsiveness and flexibility required for successful collaboration with singers across a range of vocal repertoire.
| 20 |
| NBMU3006 | Contemporary Piano Contemporary Piano develops advanced performance skills and artistic independence through the study of piano repertoire written after 1980. Through performance-based classes, seminars, and independent study, you will engage with a diverse range of contemporary works, exploring approaches to interpretation, preparation, and performance. The module introduces contemporary performance practices including extended techniques, non-traditional notation, electronics, and improvisatory elements, while encouraging informed artistic decision-making through research and critical reflection. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in navigating complex musical materials and cultivating a distinctive artistic voice, preparing you for contemporary performance contexts and the evolving landscape of piano practice.
| 20 |
| NBMU3007 | Harpsichord Harpsichord introduces the performance and preparation of repertoire for one of the keyboard’s most influential historical instruments. Through practical sessions, guided repertoire study, and independent practice, you will explore the distinctive touch, articulation, ornamentation, and stylistic conventions associated with harpsichord playing. The module provides an introduction to historically informed performance practices while developing an understanding of how instrument design shapes musical interpretation. By engaging with early and related keyboard repertoire, you will broaden your musical perspectives and gain insight into performance traditions that continue to influence keyboard playing today.
| 10 |
| NBMU3008 | Fortepiano Fortepiano introduces the performance and preparation of Classical and early Romantic keyboard repertoire on the predecessor of the modern piano. Through practical sessions, guided repertoire study, and independent practice, you will explore the distinctive touch, articulation, pedalling, and expressive possibilities of the instrument. The module develops an understanding of historically informed performance practices while encouraging close engagement with the sound world and performance traditions familiar to composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, and Beethoven. By experiencing repertoire through the instrument for which it was originally conceived, you will gain fresh perspectives on interpretation, style, and musical expression.
| 10 |
| NBMU3009 | Composition Supporting Studies I Composition Supporting Studies I develops the technical and creative foundations that support contemporary compositional practice. Through practical exercises, score study, listening, and original composition, you will explore contrapuntal writing, structural organisation, extended instrumental techniques, and selected compositional approaches from the 20th and 21st centuries. The module encourages experimentation with sound, texture, and notation while strengthening your ability to translate musical ideas into clear and performable scores. By connecting analytical study with creative practice, you will develop a deeper understanding of compositional craft and its role in shaping individual artistic expression.
| 20 |
| NBMU4009 | Composition Supporting Studies II Composition Supporting Studies II explores regional musical traditions and intercultural approaches to composition and orchestration within Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region. Through the study of instruments, repertoire, performance practices, and non-Western musical aesthetics, you will examine how diverse cultural perspectives can inform contemporary creative work. The module encourages experimentation with regional sound worlds and orchestration techniques while developing an understanding of cultural context and artistic exchange. By engaging with a broad range of musical traditions, you will expand your compositional vocabulary and discover new possibilities for creative expression.
| 20 |
| NBMU3010 | Contemporary Music Collective Contemporary Music Collective provides opportunities to engage with contemporary music through direct collaboration with composers in the rehearsal, development, and performance of new works. Through workshops, rehearsals, and performance projects, you will explore contemporary performance practices while contributing to the creative process through discussion, experimentation, and artistic dialogue. The module emphasises communication, responsiveness, and collaborative problem-solving, encouraging you to engage actively with questions of interpretation, notation, and performance possibility. By working closely with composers and fellow performers, you will gain first-hand experience of bringing new music from conception to performance while developing the skills required for contemporary creative practice.
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| NBMU3011 | Side-by-Side Side-by-Side provides opportunities to learn alongside experienced professionals through a supervised placement within a performing arts organisation. Working in artistic, production, administrative, or organisational settings, you will gain first-hand insight into the professional practices, expectations, and collaborative cultures that underpin the performing arts sector. The module emphasises experiential learning, enabling you to apply your knowledge and skills within authentic professional environments while developing professional confidence, adaptability, and workplace awareness. Through structured reflection on your placement experience, you will deepen your understanding of potential career pathways and the diverse roles that contribute to artistic and organisational success.
| 20 |
| NBMU3012 | Orchestral Training I (Stgs/Perc/Chi) Orchestral Training I develops the ensemble, technical, and stylistic skills required for effective performance within orchestral settings. Through regular rehearsals, excerpt classes, and guided coaching, you will refine ensemble awareness, rhythmic precision, intonation, tone production, and professional rehearsal discipline. The module introduces core orchestral repertoire and audition excerpts while fostering the collaborative skills essential to successful ensemble performance. Emphasis is placed on developing consistency, responsiveness, and stylistic understanding, providing a strong foundation for advanced orchestral study and performance.
| 20 |
| NBMU4012 | Orchestral Training II (Stgs/Perc/Chi) Orchestral Training II prepares you for the demands of professional orchestral performance and audition environments. Through advanced rehearsals, intensive excerpt study, and simulated auditions, you will refine ensemble precision, interpretative maturity, and independent preparation strategies. The module emphasises artistic confidence, performance resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure while meeting the professional standards expected of contemporary orchestral musicians. By engaging with audition-focused repertoire and professional rehearsal practices, you will develop greater readiness for pre-professional and professional orchestral contexts.
| 20 |
| NBMU3013 | Orchestral Training I (Wnds) Orchestral Training I (Wnds) develops the ensemble, technical, and stylistic skills required for effective performance across orchestral, wind orchestra, and wind ensemble settings. Through regular rehearsals, excerpt classes, and guided coaching, you will refine ensemble awareness, blend, balance, rhythmic precision, intonation, and tone production while engaging with a broad range of repertoire and ensemble formats. The module introduces standard orchestral wind excerpts and professional rehearsal practices, fostering the versatility and collaborative musicianship required of contemporary wind players.
| 20 |
| NBMU4013 | Orchestral Training II (Wnds) Orchestral Training II (Wnds) prepares you for professional orchestral performance and audition contexts while introducing the fundamentals of conducting and musical leadership. Through advanced rehearsals, intensive excerpt study, simulated auditions, and practical conducting workshops, you will refine ensemble precision, stylistic understanding, and independent preparation strategies. The module explores how musical ideas are communicated through gesture, rehearsal processes, and ensemble interaction, providing insight into both performance and leadership within orchestral settings. By combining audition preparation with conducting fundamentals, you will develop a broader understanding of professional orchestral practice and musical communication.
| 20 |
| NBMU3014 | Interpretation of Song I Interpretation of Song I explores the relationship between poetry and music through the study and performance of art song repertoire. Working collaboratively with pianists, you will examine how text, musical structure, language, and stylistic context shape expressive and interpretative choices. Through repertoire coaching, discussion, and performance, the module develops artistic ownership, communicative performance skills, and an informed understanding of how composers transform poetry into music. Emphasis is placed on thoughtful interpretation, collaborative musicianship, and the ability to communicate meaning clearly and convincingly through song.
| 20 |
| NBMU4014 | Interpretation of Song II Interpretation of Song II focuses on the development of an independent artistic voice through advanced study and performance of art song repertoire. Building on established interpretative and collaborative skills, you will engage critically with poetic, musical, and historical contexts to shape distinctive and coherent performance perspectives. Through advanced repertoire coaching, collaborative work with pianists, and independent preparation, the module encourages artistic autonomy, stylistic discernment, and professional-level performance practice. Emphasis is placed on curating and presenting repertoire with conviction, preparing you for recital, audition, and other pre-professional performance contexts.
| 20 |
| NBMU4015 | Opera Scenes Opera Scenes explores the artistic and practical demands of staged operatic performance through the preparation and presentation of complete operatic scenes. Working collaboratively with directors, conductors, pianists, and fellow singers, you will develop characterisation, dramatic credibility, ensemble awareness, and stagecraft while maintaining vocal and musical integrity. The module emphasises the integration of singing, acting, movement, and musical interpretation, enabling you to respond confidently to the complex demands of rehearsal and performance processes. Through immersive scene work, you will gain experience of bringing operatic characters and stories to life within a collaborative theatrical environment.
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| NBMU3016 | Collaborative Performance Collaborative Performance introduces you to the dynamic possibilities of interdisciplinary music-making. Through partnerships with other art forms within the Faculty of Performing Arts, you will explore how to balance creative identities, develop mutual artistic vision, and rehearse effectively. This module cultivates your ability to communicate, organise, and present joint performances—laying the groundwork for future professional collaborations.
| 10 |