[Menvi-discuss] Music analysis in real time

[Nafset Chenib]

Hi dear all,

I hope you had a restful summer.

I have a question regarding music analysis in real time. One of the parts of my second qualifying exam  assumes an analysis of two pieces in real time (I believe we have to complete it within three hours). The only thing we can use is just the score. I never faced such a situation, even though I was engaging with the music analysis quite a lot. However, beside the Braille score, I used to have an assistant who could play and repeat the excerpts from a piece as needed or who could clarify some points; For instance, non-standard modulations—the latter is crucial for me as I don't have a perfect pitch. Furthermore, it has never been a time bound project. Of course, the ideal situation was when I new the piece from memory so that I could play it on piano by myself or, in case with the vocal music, at least to sing the vocal line. But my qualifier exam is obviously different. What should I do if I am asked, say, to analyze the harmonic progressions in measures 34-42 of a certain piece. I feel like Braille score is not very helpful in this situation, unless I ask to provide me with some time to learn it so that I can play it on piano (though we are not supposed to use it). Our university has Disability Services Office, and they are willing to help, but they never faced such a situation as I am the first musicology student there. They don’t know how to go about this exam and asked me whether I have any ideas, but I am not sure what to offer.

I know that there are music theorists on this least. Could you please share your experience. I study musicology, but I think in this situation there’s no much difference for musicologists and theorists. I would greatly appreciate any insights you might provide me with.

Thank you so very much.

Happy labour day.

Best regards,
Nafset