Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

Students wishing to take this module must have passed MUS1097 at stage 1, or if entering university at stage 2 be able to demonstrate prior learning.

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To explore the craft of musical composition through practical engagement with a range of methods and techniques selected from a plurality of repertoires. The primary mode of engagement will require confidence and skill in music notation.

To further explore compositional approaches using, but not restricted to, music notation.

To develop individual creativity.

To promote active engagement with a variety of creative approaches and styles with the aim that students begin to find their own voice.

To increase the knowledge of contemporary and later-20th century musics and musical practices across a range of styles and techniques.

To lay further foundations for compositional study.

To strengthen skills in music notation.

Outline Of Syllabus

This module will help you engage with a range of current techniques of composition, combining theoretical understanding with practical application. Lectures and workshops introduce or develop approaches. Small group seminars may include looking at work-in-progress, undertaking practical exercises, discussing repertoire and conceptual ideas particular to each stage of the module. Where possible completed assignments will be played or sung at the class by the students themselves. The use of Sibelius software will be required for at least some parts of the module.

Models and paradigms are taken from contemporary classical and world musics. Parts of the module may also explore site-specific projects, Covid-19 restrictions permitting, and more theatrical presentation of work. There will also be opportunities for creative collaborations.

The module will not include pop song-writing, which is included elsewhere in the curriculum, but is open to input of materials from outside of the normal limits of the Western Art Music (Classical) tradition.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Understanding of a range of current techniques and approaches to composition

Understanding of the technical determinants of a range of compositional styles and approaches

Enhanced awareness of contemporary and other relevant repertoire

Awareness of the role of elements such as theatrical presentation or site-specificity in the production of engaging new music, grounded in the Western Art Music tradition, but extending and enriching it with ideas and approaches from outside of the tradition.

Intended Skill Outcomes

Ability to apply a selected, yet varied range of creative techniques

Strengthened ability to write idiomatically and appropriately for a range of forces

Competence in music notation and score layout according to established convention

Technical expertise equipping the students for compositional study at the final stage of their programme

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures and workshops introduce, outline, or enrich the projects. Seminars, held in small groups, monitor students’ understanding and progress, providing opportunities for self- and mutual assessment of progress. Listening - and occasional readings - enrich student musical horizons and suggest solutions to ongoing creative challenges. After the Easter vacation students will see designated supervisors for their final projects on a weekly basis.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Portfolios demonstrate attainment of technical and aesthetic development through creative outputs.

General Notes

n/a