Master in Music Handbook

1. Presentation and goals

The 2nd studies cycle in Music at Escola Superior de Música de Lisboa offers a Master Degree in Music, and is organized in four semesters, with a total of 120 credit units.
With the main goal of deepening the 1st cycle instruction, it focuses on music specialists’ training in order to develop artistic, cultural, academic and research activities in diverse contexts, fulfilling the needs of the music production and the emergent and traditional music consumption industries. In order to accomplish this goal, it is intended to:
- Improve technical-interpretative and creative resources;
- Deepen the knowledge and understanding of music literature;
- Develop awareness and the ability to critically reflect upon the creative and interpretative process;
- Develop the skills to structure and develop a research project articulated with the student’s musical activity and experience that reflects a critical and informed perspective on the research topic;
- Acquire professional level autonomy in terms of performance and composition that allows the expression of a self-artistic personality.

This 2nd studies cycle is divided in the following specialization areas:

• Voice
• Composition
• Choral Conducting
• Orchestra Conducting
• Instrument Performance
• Jazz
• Early Music
• Chamber Music

2. Study Plan

1st Year/1st semester
Table 1

1st Year/2nd semester
Table 2

2nd Year
Table 3

a) In Music Ensemble Project I and II, students shall choose one of the following courses: Choir, Orchestra, Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles, Chamber Music or Jazz Ensemble.
b) Depends on the chosen curricular unit.

In the case of Chamber Music, Choral Conducting and Orchestra Conducting specialization areas, students will not enroll in Music Ensemble Project I and II courses. The credits from these courses will transfer to Electives/Projects in the first semester (that will have 6 credits instead of 4), and Specialization Curricular Unit II in the second semester (that will have 12 credits instead of 10).

In all specialization areas, students will be required to present, in the second semester, a public presentation, in order to exhibit the work developed during the year in Specialization Curricular Units I and II. This public presentation will be part of the assessment of Specialization Curricular Unit II. The teacher of that curricular unit will have to fill in the corresponding form (in annex in this handbook) and submit it to the students’ office when grading Specialization Curricular Unit II.

Credit distribution by scientific area (total of 120 ECTS)
Music: MUS – 108 ECTS from which 14 are optative
Education Sciences: CE – 5 optative ECTS
Social Sciences: CS – 7 ECTS

3. Electives

According to the study plan, students can enroll in optative curricular units, in two distinct areas:

a) Education Sciences
CU’s from the Music Education Masters:
• Psychopedagogy (1st Semester) 9ECTS
• Learning and Developmental Psychology (1st or 2nd Semester) 9 ECTS
• Music Didactics (9 ECTS) + Specialized Music Teaching Didactics (9 ECTS) distributed between entre CE (6) and MUS (3)

b) Music
• Some undergrad courses (for example, Chamber Music)
• CU’s created for the Masters in Choral Conducting (Choral Repertoire)
• CU’s of the Masters at FCSH Universidade Nova de Lisboa
• Projects

4. Projects

In order to submit a project for approval, students must:

• Fill in the form with a detailed description, calculate the number of hours and choose an advisor/teacher who will grade the project. The project proposal will then be submitted to the scientific commission for approval.
• It is only allowed to obtain a maximum of 4 credits per project.

5. Music Ensemble Project I and II

The study plan incorporates two CU’s created to offer students the opportunity to develop Ensemble performance.

These two CU’s are organized as an autonomous project format, and are preferentially supervised by teachers who teach Specialization CU’s.

In order to complete these CU’s, students can:

a) participate in one of the existing ensemble projects at ESML (choirs, orchestras, strings and wind cameratas, symphonic orchestra and wind orchestra);

b) create a chamber music ensemble or a jazz combo (with other students from ESML – undergrad or masters – or with external musicians):

c) conduct an instrumental or vocal ensemble, and actively participate in the conception and development of the project until the final public presentation (selection of musicians, conducting and rehearsing):

d) submit for approval another ensemble project in which they are actively engaged.

Besides the options in a), b), c) and d), Composition students can complete these CU’s as composers (presenting one or more original works), arrangers or artistic directors, as long as they actively engage in the different stages of the project (since the conception and development until the final public presentation), and can also conduct the concert if required.

In every above mentioned situation, it is required to present publicly the project.

Project public presentation venue:

Every Music Ensemble Project I and II performance/public presentation must take place at ESML, with the exception of projects promoted by ESML that occur outside school (i.e. choir/orchestras/cameratas/opera projects/contemporary music concerts, etc.). In some exceptional and properly justified cases, the Masters Scientific Commission may authorize external public presentations if recorded for later assessment, with the agreement of the advisor.

Deadlines and procedures for scheduling project public presentations:

The public presentation shall occur until the last day of classes of each semester (January 18th and May 31st 2019).
If the advisor agrees and there’s classroom/logistics availability, the public presentation can exceptionally take place during the exam period of each semester.

Room and resources reservation shall be made by email to José Cedoura (Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.). Once the reservation is confirmed, students must inform Dra. Ana Arriaga by email (Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.) at least one week in advance about the date/time and place for the presentation, name of the project and repertoire.

In order to sign up for public presentations, students shall fill in “Ficha de Projecto (Projecto de Música de Conjunto I e II)” and hand it over to the Masters Students’ Office (Dra. Ana Arriaga) until the end of the 8th week of classes of each semester (November 16th 2018 and March 29th 2019).

Jury and project assessment:

The duration of the performance/public presentation shall be discussed with the advisor (usually between 30 and 45 minutes).

The public presentation will be assessed by the Specialization CU’s teacher or by the teacher in charge of the ensemble already existing in ESML (choirs, orchestras, cameratas).

Assessment shall cover all the project stages, since its conception until the final public presentation. Besides Approved/Not Approved, the final grade will appear in a scale of 0 to 20.

6. Organization

• The Master in Music is organized in four semesters, with a total of 120 credits, according to the current structure and study plan.

• The two first semesters (60 credits) correspond to a Specialization Program that includes a teaching component and a research project.

• The two last semesters include, besides a teaching component, the elaboration and presentation of an Artistic Project composed of a written report and a practical component, or a dissertation.

• The Music Research Project CU (2nd semester) prepares the students for the writing process of the Artistic Project Report or the Dissertation. It is recommendable that students take this opportunity to start working on the future Artistic Project or Dissertation.

• The writing of the dissertation or the elaboration of the Artistic Project (including writing the report) are advised by a Doctor/PhD or a distinguished specialist approved by ESML’s Technical-Scientific Council. The advisors are designated by the Scientific Commission after a proposal submission by the student.

• Students can be co-advised by a national or international specialist or PhD.

• Students must submit, by the end of the 6th week of the 3rd semester (2nd year), an Artistic Project or Dissertation proposal with the following information:

i) the subject;
ii) the name of the advisor(s)
iii) an abstract
iv) a short reference list
v) an acceptance statement by the advisor(s)

7. Artistic Report Structure

In order to obtain the Master in Music Degree, students are required to write an Artistic Project Report or a Dissertation. This will be the final product resulting from conceptual and scientific systematization of the research and reflection processes on one or several artistic objects, and must be at the level of a Dissertation.

It is crucial that the Artistic Project Report is clearly articulated with the final recital/concert/original composition presentation .

The document must be in accordance to the following organization and structure guidelines, that will serve as a guarantee of quality, valorization, and clarification of the results and the reflections made.

The Masters Artistic Project Report is a written academic work through which the candidate will have to:

1. Document the intellectual work needed for the conceptualization and completion of the Project, as well as provide a critical analysis of emergent significant topics.

2. Include detailed information about:
a. the original design of the Project and any changes of direction that have taken place in its course, providing not only a framework, but also an informed and substantial justification and reflection on a particular artistic object;
b. the project development process;
c. the identification and justification of the scientific, technological and artistic research methods and techniques used, as well as their suitability for the Project;
d. the investigation carried out on publications related to the research topic, demonstrating ability to analyze and systematize existing literature and artistic works related to the chosen subject;
e. the description and justification of selected sources;
f. the nature of the problems encountered and the solutions adopted to solve them.

3. Be supervised by one or more specialists in the study area.
4. Have between 15.000 and 20.000 words (counted from the introduction).
5. Use APA citation and reference standards.

The research topic should be related to a well-identified study area and relevant to the student's artistic and intellectual development, as well as to the development of the study area.

As a rule, the student's artistic/musical practice should be the starting point for the topic choice and the formulation of the research question. Contemporary artistic practice plays a fundamental role in shaping the context in which research is relevant, and musical practice (interpreting, composing) is also an essential part of the method and tools from which new perspectives and artistic products emerge. The results of research will preferably incorporate new practices, approaches, and/or artistic products.

Unlike the Dissertation, the Artistic Project Report aims to complement the presentation of an artistic product (recital, concert, presentation of original composition). In the final document and the research public presentation, the creative practice should not be used to illustrate what is expressed in words. On the contrary, words should be used to contextualize and clarify the results of the artistic process.

In terms of structure, the Artistic Project Report must have the following organization:

a) Pre-Textual Elements
I. Cover: mandatory element through which the author, academic institution, title of the work, and date are identified (see Artistic Project / Dissertation Report Cover Model)
II. Face Sheet: contains the essential elements for the identification of the work, namely: full name of the author; title; nature of the work (Dissertation or Artistic Project Report); name of the institution; degree and area (master in music); name of the advisor and co-advisor (if any); year (see Artistic Project Report Cover Sheet Model / Dissertation)
III. Dedication (optional): indication of the name person (s) to whom the work is dedicated
IV. Acknowledgments (optional): reference of people and institutions that contributed in a relevant way to the Artistic Project
V. Abstract in Portuguese: page in which a brief presentation of the work. The contents on this page are usually inserted in bibliographic databases. The abstract should contain between 200 and 250 words.
VI. Abstract (in English)
VII. List of illustrations: listing of charts, drawings, images, diagrams, photographs, plans, maps, and other elements in the report
VIII. List of tables: page where numeric or alphanumeric data is aligned in rows and columns
IX. List of acronyms: general list with all abbreviations and acronyms used, with the respective significances
X. Index: list of titles and page numbers where the main divisions and subdivisions of the work begin

b) Textual Elements
I. Introduction:
1. General Description and Project Objectives: description of the Project and enumeration of the main objectives of the work
2. Theoretical framework
1. Literature review: identification and analysis of what was been done and written on the research topic. Explanation of how the referred works relate and led to the choice of the subject of the Artistic Project. Discussion and definition of the main concepts that structure the work, and other relevant theoretical aspects
2. Project justification, research problem(s) and question(s): justification and identification of the problems and the question(s) to be answered in the course of the report. Research questions should be logically linked to each other, to the general objectives, and to the conceptual or theoretical framework that emerges in the literature review.
3. Methodology and research techniques: Presentation and justification of the pertinence of the theories, strategies and procedures used to collect and analyze data (this section should also have a small literature review in order to justify the methodology)

II. Development: organized and detailed presentation of the subject matter, which will result in contextualization and rationale through structuring in divisions and subdivisions, according to the nature of the addressed topic addressed and the adopted procedures.
1. Detailed description of the Project
1. Aesthetic orientation, repertoire, arrangements and instrumentation, interpretation, if applicable.
2. Process: description of the process, challenges and problems encountered, enumeration and justification of decisions taken throughout the Project, process of concept formulation, planning, selection and editing of materials, and construction of the artistic object.
2. Discussion and main results.

III. Conclusions and final considerations: a summary of the obtained results, and their association with the scope of the Project in terms of contributions to the area of study. It will be conceivable to indicate possible future artistic projects following the work developed. Final considerations.

c) Post-Textual Elements
I. References: list of bibliographic references of all documents cited in the paper
II. Bibliography: list of bibliographic references of all documents not cited in the paper (optional)
III. Discography: list of all phonograms cited in the report
IV. Appendices: Documents or texts prepared by the author with information, tables or data made as a supplement to his/her argument (ex: scores, interviews, etc.) (optional)
V. Annexes: Documents or texts that were not made by the author, but which serve to support, prove or illustrate the work (scores, etc.) (optional)

8. Dissertation Structure

The Dissertation is an essential component for obtaining a Master's Degree in Music if the student does not opt for developing and Artistic Project Report. It will be the final product resulting from the scientific systematization of the research process on a given topic.

As such, it will have to follow the following structure and organization guidelines, which will serve as a way of ensuring the quality, valorization, and clarification of the results obtained and the research and reflection developed.

The Master Dissertation is a written academic paper in which the student will have to:
1. Demonstrate ability to analyze and systematize existing literature on the research topic
2. Include the formulation of a problem and clear research question(s)
3. Propose precise objectives and identify their relevance and potential scientific impact
4. Reveal ability to use clearly defined and justified scientific research methods and techniques
5. Resort to supervision by one or more specialists in the study area
6. Have between 30000 and 40000 words (counted from the introduction)
7. Use APA citation and reference standards

The research topic should be related to a well-identified study area, and be relevant to the student's intellectual development, as well as to the development of the field.

In terms of structure, the Master Dissertation must have the following organization:

a) Pre-Textual Elements
I. Cover: mandatory element through which the author, academic institution, title of the work, and date are identified (see Artistic Project / Dissertation Report Cover Model)
II. Face Sheet: contains the essential elements for the identification of the work, namely: full name of the author; title; nature of the work (Dissertation or Artistic Project Report); name of the institution; degree and area (master in music); name of the advisor and co-advisor (if any); year (see Artistic Project Report Cover Sheet Model / Dissertation)
III. Dedication (optional): indication of the name person (s) to whom the work is dedicated
IV. Acknowledgments (optional): reference of people and institutions that contributed in a relevant way to the Artistic Project
V. Abstract in Portuguese: page in which a brief presentation of the work. The contents on this page are usually inserted in bibliographic databases. The abstract should contain between 200 and 250 words.
VI. Abstract (in English)
VII. List of illustrations: listing of charts, drawings, images, diagrams, photographs, plans, maps, and other elements in the report
VIII. List of tables: page where numeric or alphanumeric data is aligned in rows and columns
IX. List of acronyms: general list with all abbreviations and acronyms used, with the respective significances
X. Index: list of titles and page numbers where the main divisions and subdivisions of the work begin

b) Textual Elements
I. Introduction:
1. Objectives: enumeration of the main objectives of the work
2. Theoretical framework:
1. Literature review: identification and analysis of what was been done and written on the research topic. Explanation of how the referred works relate and led to the choice of the Dissertation subject. Discussion and definition of the main concepts that structure the work, and other relevant theoretical aspects.
2. Research problem and question(s): justification and identification of the problems and the question(s) to be answered in the course of the dissertation. Research questions should be logically linked to each other, to the general objectives, and to the conceptual or theoretical framework that emerges in the literature review.
3. Methodology and research techniques: Presentation and justification of the pertinence of the theories, strategies and procedures used to collect and analyze data (this section should also have a small literature review in order to justify the methodology)

II. Development: organized and detailed presentation of the subject, which will result in a contextualization and rationale through structuring in divisions and subdivisions, according to the nature of the research topic, the work, and the data collection and analysis procedures. It should include the discussion of the analysis made and the main results.

III. Conclusions: summary of the research results, their association with the scope of its contributions to the study area. It will be conceivable to indicate possible new paths of investigation following the work developed. Final considerations.

d) Post-Textual Elements
I. References: list of bibliographic references of all documents cited in the document
II. Bibliography: list of bibliographic references of all documents that are not cited in the document (optional)
III. Discography: list of all phonograms cited in the report
IV. Appendices: Documents or texts prepared by the author with information, tables or data made as a supplement to his/her argument (ex: scores, interviews, etc.) (optional)
V. Annexes: Documents or texts that were not made by the author, but which serve to support, prove or illustrate the work (scores, etc.) (optional)

9. Written document guidelines

10. Deadlines and Logistic Aspects

- The Artistic Project Report or Dissertation must be submitted by the end of the academic year, in the 2nd year of the master's degree.

- In exceptional cases, properly demonstrated, and with the agreement of the advisor or co-advisor, the deadline mentioned in the previous number may be extended once until September 30th of the corresponding academic year, without additional fees.

- Students who have not fulfilled the deadlines mentioned in the previous numbers, can only complete the program after registering in the following academic year.

- If the report is submitted during the subsequent semester, students will pay partial tuition according to the following:

a) Submission until 31 October - payment of the first portion of the tuition
b) Submission until January 31 - payment of 1st and 2nd portions of the tuition
c) For later submissions, tuition must be fully paid

• The practical component of the Artistic Project may take the following forms:

a) Recital with 45 to 60 minutes (Voice, Instrument Performance, Jazz, Early Music and Chamber Music);
b) Concert with 20 to 30 minutes (Choral Conducting and Orchestra Conducting);
c) Presentation of original composition (Composition Specialization Area).

• The practical component of the Artistic Project must be presented preferably at ESML. If this element of the Artistic Project is to be presented outside ESML, it is required a written approval by all jury members, and it is mandatory that this presentation doesn’t impose any charges on ESML.

• The student must ensure the audiovisual recording of the practical component in digital format (except in the case of Composition), which must be submitted to the Academic Services together with the final version of the Artistic Project Report.

- Report / Dissertation submission: 15/6/2019, extendable until 9/30/2019
- Appointment of the Jury
- Order of acceptance of the report or rectification recommendation by the jury (in this case the student has 30 days to rewrite or correct)
- Exam Scheduling (presentation and report discussion; recital)

11. Grading

- The Artistic Project Report and Dissertation grade is calculated from the weighted average, rounded to the unit, of the grade given to the written report and to the presentation/discussion, with weights of 70% and 30%, correspondingly.

- The practical component of the Artistic Project is evaluated according to the technical and artistic performance and/or the consistency and level of the interpretation/direction. The final grade of the Artistic Project is obtained from the weighted average of the Artistic Project Report grade, which is worth 30% and the practical component grade, with a weighting of 70%.

- The final grade of the master's degree is calculated by weighing the Artistic Project or Dissertation classification by 60% and the arithmetic average of the remaining curricular units by 40%.

12. Contacts

• Head of the program: Professor Doutor Ricardo Pinheiro - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Heads of the specialization areas:
• Voice – Professor Dr. Luís Madureira - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Composition – Professor Doutor Carlos Marecos - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Choral Conducting – Professor Doutor Paulo Lourenço - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Orchestra Conducting – Professor Dr. Jean-Marc Burfin - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Instrument Performance – Professor Dr. José Massarrão - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Jazz – Professor Doutor Ricardo Pinheiro - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.
• Student’s Office: Dra. Ana Arriaga - Este endereço de email está protegido contra piratas. Necessita ativar o JavaScript para o visualizar.