The programme's aim is to develop students' performance abilities and artistic profile, and to strengthen their competences in artistic reflection and independence. Through their own master's project, students will develop their knowledge in one or more areas of their choice through their own role as a performer.

Through experience of high-level music performance and reflection over their role as a performer students will develop a deeper awareness of the processes and methods that are typical of artistic research.

Instruction in artistic research theories and methodologies will strengthen students' aesthetic reflections.

The faculty and staff at the Academy of Music are engaged and internationally active musicians, researchers, and pedagogues. Students are at the centre of our work, and your will have access to the faculty’s wide range of specialisations in genre and performance practices. In the second year of the programme there are funds available for travel and lessons with external colleagues who are relevant for your project.

The programme is full time and takes place in Tromsø.

After completing the programme the student will have the following competences:

Knowledge:

• ability to analyse and discuss their artistic intentions in relation to music historical, traditional, stylistic, aesthetic, cultural, and societal concerns
• ability to evaluate, realise, and convey their artistic intentions with a clear profile
• ability to display independence in relation to high-level artistic challenges by initiating, carrying out, and leading different projects
• ability to apply their acquired knowledge to broaden their musical perspective and carry out independent artistic research

Skills:

• ability to create, realise, and convey their personal intentions at a high artistic level
• make use of artistic research theories
• ability to reflect over and defend their choices of methods and processes in their own artistic research
• ability to plan and carry out artistic research

General competences:

• ability to analyse and critically employ artistic research materials in their own work
• ability to contribute to the development and innovation of musical life and the music industry
• ability to communicate orally and in writing with the music community and in the public sphere
• ability to identify relevant ethical problems and display a high degree of professional integrity

Through the master in music performance students will acquire competences and qualifications for work as professional performers both within artistic and cultural institutions, and as freelancers.

The programme can also form part of a study programme together with the graduate programme in teacher training (PPU) which will provide teaching competences and qualifications for employment as a music teacher in schools, community music schools, upper secondary schools, and in further and higher education institutions.

Bachelor degree in music performance or other equivalent qualification with at least 80 credits of performance specialisation on the applicant's main instrument, and a letter of motivation. In addition, there will be an entrance exam consisting of a performance audition and an interview including presentation of the draft for the master's project.

Non-EU students must be prepared to pay tuition fees, more information here

The programme consists of individual teaching and supervision, group work, seminars, projects, and masterclasses. Parts of the theory teaching will take place as lectures. The majority of the student's study time will be spent on practising and the development of their masters project.

Most modules are assessed as pass/fail and some as A-F.

Possible examination and assessment formats include practical exams, oral exams, home exams and portfolio assessment.

Language of instruction and examinations: English and Norwegian.

It is possible to complete the coursework requirements and exams in either English or Norwegian.

The programme meets the prerequisites for PhD programmes in artistic research.

Students can apply to undertake an exchange in the 3rd semester.

UiT The Arctic University of Norway has exchange agreements with institutions in the Nordic countries and in Europe through the Nordplus and Erasmus programmes.