1 School of Music College of Fine Arts 1. Introduction Assessment Plan for the Master of Music (MM) Degree in Performance Unit Mission Statement The primary goal of teaching in the Performance Divisions is to assist students in attaining their maximum potential (both artistically and intellectually) as musicians so they may develop successful careers in music. The principal area of research and creativity for the music performance faculty at the University of Kentucky is performance. An outstanding performance faculty, dedicated to teaching, enhances the reputation of the School of Music and establishes recognition for performance excellence on campus, in the region, and across the nation. Faculty members of the Performance Divisions in the School of Music serve as a central resource for the Commonwealth providing expertise and encouragement for those desiring to advance the art of music through performance and pedagogy. Basic Assessment Approach Assess all three Performance Outcomes every semester students are enrolled in Graduate applied study using the OTIS online instrument. Definition of Key Terms: Assessment: A strategy for understanding, confirming, and improving student learning through a continuous and systematic process. Curriculum Map: A visual depiction of the integration of learning outcomes and professional standards in programmatic coursework. Learning Outcomes: Statements of learning expectations Indirect Evidence: Data from which inferences can be made about learning but do not demonstrate actual learning. Direct Evidence: Data that demonstrates actual learning and the acquisition of specific skills. 2. Assessment Oversight, Resources The Music Performance division coordinators will act as assessment coordinators. It is the responsibility of the division coordinators to monitor the activities that occur in the
2 program. The division coordinators will lead the assessment conversation held each fall and will write the assessment report due to the university on October 31. 3. Program-Level Learning Outcomes OUTCOME 1 Identifying Expression Items Students will render music notation into meaningful sound that follows the syntax of the notation, while adding emotion and character to the music beyond that which is required for basic musical sense (appropriate to the year of study). OUTCOME 2 Identifying Accuracy Items Students will demonstrate musical accuracy on their major instrument or voice (appropriate to the year of study). Skills such as rhythm, pitch accuracy, intonation, dynamics, and ensemble unity will be considered. OUTCOME 3 Identifying Technique Items Students will demonstrate mastery on their major instrument or voice (appropriate to the year of study). Skills such as proper bowings, articulations, finger dexterity, vibrato, posture, and overall tone production will be considered.
3 4. Curriculum Map Because of the complex nature of musical development, many concepts such as tone production, intonation, phrasing, and inflection are introduced early in the career of a music student. However, intellectual understanding only transfers to actual physical and artistic abilities after many hours, weeks, months, and years of diligent and thoughtful practice. This educational phenomena means that many of the same concepts introduced the first semester of graduate study in the MM program will still be at the forefront of musical study the semester of matriculation. The difference, however, will be the depth at which the concepts are being studied. Applied faculty spend intense amounts of time and explore volumes of repertoire to insure that each applied student has a curriculum based on common standards, but uniquely fitted to individual student needs. I=introduce, R=reinforce, E=emphasis Course SLO 1 SLO 2 SLO3 I, R, E I, R, E I, R, E MUP 5 I, R, E I, R, E I, R, E MUP 5 R, E R, E R, E MUP 5 R, E R, E R, E 5. Assessment Methods and Measures Direct Methods: Juries OTIS online assessment instrument Indirect Methods: Grades GPA Matriculation Rates Exit Interviews
4 6. Data Collection and Review Students are required to perform a jury for a faculty panel every semester of applied lesson enrollment. Performance evaluations are recorded and archived using the OTIS online instrument. Moreover, audio recordings of each jury performance are archived online along with the written critiques. This system of written and audio evaluation provides clear and consistent feedback for both students and faculty regarding progress toward successful completion of Student Learning Objectives and other student-specific goals. Furthermore, written evaluations and audio recordings are available throughout the duration of the student s academic career a powerful motivational tool for all students. 7. Assessment and Data Analysis Outcome Number Outcome 1 Stated Learning Outcome Academic Year Students will render music Year 1 notation into meaningful sound that follows the syntax Year 2 of the notation, while adding emotion and character to the music beyond that which is required for basic musical sense (appropriate to the year of study). Reporting Year Outcome 2 Students will demonstrate musical accuracy on their major instrument or voice (appropriate to the year of study). Skills such as rhythm, pitch accuracy, intonation, dynamics, and ensemble unity will be considered. Year 1 Year 2 Outcome 3 Students will demonstrate mastery on their major instrument or voice (appropriate to the year of study). Skills such as proper bowings, articulations, finger dexterity, vibrato, posture, and overall tone production will be considered. Year 1 Year 2 Outcome 4 Outcome 5
5 The OTIS online instrument allows for a continued assessment throughout the duration of applied study. Individual faculty use results to plot trends, plan lessons, and evaluate teaching effectiveness each semester. Divisional chairs and the Director of the School of Music analyze the data annually to determine programmatic strengths and weaknesses. 8. Teaching Effectiveness All instructors use the Teacher Course Evaluation (TCE) process to receive student evaluation each semester. Additionally, the OTIS online instrument provides immediate feedback regarding teacher effectiveness in a variety of artistic and technical pedagogical areas. In an indirect manner, the OTIS instrument creates a very public form of Faculty Peer Oversight allowing for the maintenance of a common standard of excellence throughout the two performance divisions (Winds Percussion Jazz, and Keyboard Strings Vocal). 9. Post-graduate Success Our department will analyze data provided by the Alumni Survey and will work with the Office of Institutional Research to look at other possible methods for determining if graduates are successful in the professional setting. 10. Appendices