Examinations, Courses and Awards

Course SummaryThe focus of this module is on practical work directly related to the duties of a musician active in worship. You should be able to draw on your other studies for the diploma as a means of enriching and developing your understanding of, and approach to, the practice of music in liturgy and worship. Much of your preparation for this module is likely to be related to your regular work as a cantor and animateur.

Learning OutcomesOn successful completion of this module you will be able: (a) to show evidence of a broad familiarity with repertory for cantor and congregation; (b) to show competence in rehearsing and performing a contrasting group of compositions for cantor and congregation (chosen by yourself and by the examiners); and (c) to demonstrate competence in liturgical planning appropriate to your work as a cantor and animateur.

StudyAlthough you can consult books you will gain most by observing experienced cantors and animateurs and by being observed. Where you have difficulty in finding a suitable observer, much can be learnt by watching and evaluating videos of your own activities. It is expected that you will be working towards this module during both years of study for the diploma.

AssessmentAssessment is based on a practical session and a discussion with the examiners. This session will take place in your own church. Two examiners will attend the session on an agreed date. Exceptionally, where this is impossible to arrange, you may be asked to submit a VHS video recording.

• 1. Rehearsing and performing repertory identified by you and approved in advance by the Academic Board (see below). This will consist of a rehearsal of two contrasting pieces of liturgical music for cantor and congregation (30 minutes), and the performance of one of them (2 to 3 minutes in performance).
• 2. Rehearsing and performing two appropriate pieces of liturgical music with cantor chosen by the examiners (30 minutes). The candidate will be provided with the music in advance but must not rehearse the pieces before the session. Choir copies will be provided by the examiners on the day.
• 3. A discussion with the examiners. This will address issues of planning for the liturgy, repertory, techniques and strategy for your work as a cantor and animateur, and matters arising from the practical sessions. The discussions of planning and repertory will be based on specific material submitted by you in advance.

When the examiners allocate grades and marks, equal weight will be given to each of the three elements of the assessment.

Arrangements for the assessmentYou should submit a proposal for the content of the practical session to the Course Secretary before the session takes place. This should include scores of the music to be rehearsed and performed.

If there is no difficulty with your proposal, approval will be granted by the time the study period begins. If there are reservations the matter will be resolved as quickly as possible. The Course Secretary will forward single copies of the items to be rehearsed and directed by you (Section 2, above) when communicating approval.

One month before the end of the study period (i.e. 31 May or 31 December) you must submit a plan for music for two events: a regular service in your own church, and a service for a major festival or special occasion in your own church. You should list the music, include a single copy of each item selected, and provide a brief explanation for your choices (200-400 words for each event).