CMP 541 Performance and Rehearsal Techniques
This course will provide composition students with the skills needed to effectively prepare and lead rehearsals and performances of their works, as well as provide guidance in the proper etiquette for working with a conductor or coach in rehearsals of their work. Preparation of performance materials, rehearsal technique, conducting technique, and stage comportment will be studied, practiced and discussed. Students will work directly with a chamber ensemble in class, which will be comprised of a mixed ensemble drawn from strings, winds, brass and percussion, as available. Each student will compose a short work for the ensemble, to be used as practice for the abovementioned skills. A notable conductor will be a guest in two later-stage classes to provide information specific to orchestral readings and rehearsals, as well as to evaluate and critique the students’ conducting and rehearsal-technique skills and offer guidance in their development. The class will visit and observe readings, rehearsals and coachings by NEC ensembles during the semester. The final project will be a classroom performance of each composer’s work, conducted by the composer.
Prerequisite
CMP 500/Studio or Instructor Permission