Programme description for Live Electronics (2023–2026)

What do you learn?

Learning outcome

On completion of the programme, the student should:

 

KNOWLEDGE

• have knowledge of various creative approaches for real-time composition and improvisation

• have knowledge of musical practices associated with live electronics and relevant methods within the field

• have knowledge of software, digital instruments, tools, and methods for using music technology in a concert situation

• have knowledge of various sound processing methods in Live Electronics

 

SKILLS

• be able to reflect on their own artistic practice and method and develop it under individual guidance

• master relevant tools, techniques, and forms of expression within the field

• be able to apply music technology in concert situations

• be able to assess artistic challenges of practical and theoretical nature, as well as justify and choose relevant solutions

• be able to plan and carry out various projects as a performer within the field of Live Electronics

 

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• be able to express their own creative ideas individually and in collaboration with others

• be able to use listening as a method to acquire knowledge of musical events

• be able to communicate music-related issues as a performer within the field of Live Electronics

• be able to use Live Electronics in their own creative and performing artistic activities

Structure and content

Admission requirements

The general admission requirements are general study competence and 60 credits in performing music subjects. Other relevant subjects may be approved as a basis for admission after individual assessment.

 

Applicants must pass an admission test.

 

Ranking of applicants is based on the admission test with the following parts:

• Performance test. In the performance test, a score is given from 10 to 20 for a pass. Applicants who receive less than 10 points have not passed. The performance test counts for 50% of the total score.

• Interview. In the interview, a score from 10 to 20 is given. The interview counts for 50% of the total score. The performance test must be passed to be granted an interview.

Recommended previous knowledge

Good knowledge and skills in the main areas of performance, production, and composition to pass the admission test.

General description and profile

The term Live Electronics refers to improvisation and composition in real-time - in collaboration with music technology. The course in Live Electronics consists of both performance-related and music technological subjects.

 

The programme is genre-independent, meaning it spans the spectrum between traditional classical music, rhythmic music, and electronic music. The goal of the course is to provide the student, regardless of background, with an opportunity to learn how Live Electronics can be applied to all instrument groups.

 

Good artistic and technical skills are an important prerequisite for conveying electronic music. Therefore, the course emphasizes working with the performance and dissemination of electronic music, where the balance between the student's main instrument and ways of processing their sound and instrument is central.

 

Digitalization and industry restructuring in recent years have changed the daily life of the traditional musician, and the year course in Live Electronics aims to provide insight into new creative strategies for processing, collaborating, improvising, and performing. The course is particularly focused on performance and collaboration. Students also gain insight into various parts of the music industry and cultural field where Live Electronics plays a central role.

Teaching methods

The program uses various teaching and learning methods such as one-on-one instruction on the main instrument, individual guidance, group instruction, lectures, seminars, online lessons, digital guidance, and practice-related activities. Close collaboration between teachers and students is central to the program. Students participate in work-relevant practice projects with tasks that are relevant to their professional competence.

 

Teaching will be based on seminars, but with individual follow-up on main instrument lessons.

 

The digital learning platform Canvas is used as a communication channel for the study program.

Internationalization

The field of electronic music has a strong and dominant international position where the relationship to contemporary popular music and its technology is very important. Creative and performing impulses changes constantly regardless of national boundaries.

 

The Department of Rhythmic Music at UiA is affiliated with international networks and has exchange agreements with several major European music education institutions. During the study program, students will meet guest teachers who are part of extensive international networks and who have touring experience through courses, lectures, projects, collaboration, and one-on-one instruction. The department's partner institutions are selected so that students, through teacher exchanges, can get impulses from central international professional communities.

 

The language of instruction and the curriculum will be in English.

Evaluation

Study programme evaluation is conducted annually in the programme committee in accordance with the Quality System, section 4.2. Before the meeting of the study programme committee, the student representative may obtain suggestions and ideas from fellow students.

Other information

All students at UiA are required to have their own laptop for use in teaching and examination. See Regulation on Studies and Examinations at the University of Agder § 12d.

Students are expected to provide their own instrument and controller.

The software Ableton Live Suite is considered part of the program's curriculum. Therefore, students in the Live Electronics program must have, or acquire, the Ableton Live Suite software. As students at a university, there are several software programs that can be purchased at discounted prices (so-called EDU License or "educational license").