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This course begins by exploring the evolution of music performance, focusing on how artists engage audiences and shape their stage presence. You'll examine how different genres, from glam rock’s theatricality to the intensity of live rock shows, influence performance styles. We’ll cover audience engagement techniques as well as how performers use confidence-building strategies like alter egos to overcome stage anxiety. The course will also delve into the evolution of popular music performance from the 1950s to today, highlighting how societal changes, technological advancements, and cultural movements have shaped audience engagement. You’ll learn the fundamentals of melody, chords, and rhythm, understanding how they work together to form music. Additionally, you'll explore alternative ways to create melodies and chords and how modes offer unique qualities and creative possibilities. The course will also show how modes can be used both independently and alongside functional harmony to enhance melody and improvisation. In the practical section, you’ll apply your knowledge of chords in a two-part notation activity, with the second part encouraging you to create your own unique chord structures.
Dr Chanan HanspalAnglia Ruskin UniversityMusic
All episodes

1. Introduction to Music Performance

2. The History of Music Performance

3. Introduction to Music Theory

4. Practical Activity: Notation Exercise
About the university

Anglia Ruskin University
Anglia Ruskin University is an innovative global university with students from 185 countries at our campuses in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Peterborough and Writtle. These students are at the heart of our University, and we're delighted that our final-year undergraduates are positive about their educational experience. Our community is also incredibly important to us, and we're proud of the role we play in our cities and the wider region – including the positive effect on jobs and the local economy. It is this impact that helped us become the THE University of the Year 2023, a prestigious award that recognises our success in delivering high impact projects focused on the difference we make in the region and communities where we’re based as well as the contributions our students and graduates make to society.
Anglia Ruskin University profile →Meet the academic

Dr Chanan Hanspal
Chanan is a composer and guitarist who has worked in the music industry since 1993. He has performed and recorded with various artists, including John Medeski, Roots Manuva, Jazz Jamaica, Kylie Minogue, Jeff Lorber, Jay Kay (Jamiroquai), Valerie Etienne (Galliano), The Roots, Quest Love, 23 Skidoo, Imanni (Incognito) Summer, and ex-Miles Davis musicians Bill Evans and Mike Stern. Chanan’s original jazz compositions 'It's only just a garden' and 'Jazz Scuffle' received extended radio play in Japan, Holland, New York and the UK, including Jazz FM and the Gilles Peterson Show on BBC Radio One. Chanan has recorded for Virgin, Sony, Dorado and Instinct Records, and has independently released a number of solo albums. In addition, he has toured and performed worldwide playing some of the most prestigious venues and events including Jazzhaus, Freiburg, Germany, Olympia, Paris, Jazz Café and Ronnie Scott's, Glastonbury Festival, Velfarre in Tokyo and WOMAD Festival.

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