Module Catalogue 2024/25

MUS2050 : Applied Song Writing and Composition (Folk and Modal Musics)

MUS2050 : Applied Song Writing and Composition (Folk and Modal Musics)

  • Offered for Year: 2024/25
  • Module Leader(s): Ms Nancy Kerr Elliott
  • Owning School: Arts & Cultures
  • Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Semester 2 Credit Value: 20
ECTS Credits: 10.0
European Credit Transfer System
Pre-requisite

Modules you must have done previously to study this module

Pre Requisite Comment

Students wishing to take this module must have passed a Stage 1 notation-based or studio-skills-based module.

Co-Requisite

Modules you need to take at the same time

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

- To further develop the student’s understanding, confidence and practical ability in composing and arranging new instrumental and/or vocal music.

- To critically engage with relevant methodologies (eg. modes, actuality, field recording, aural harmony and counterpoint, collation, adaptation and arrangement) sourced from global folk and vernacular musical traditions and practices.

- explore the crafts of musical composition via case studies of current cross-genre practices in the professional sphere.

Outline Of Syllabus

An optional module which will apply and develop skills in composition and/or songwriting and the arrangement of newly-composed pieces.

This module continues the line of development started in stage one theory and composition modules and will provide the bridge between theoretical understanding and creative application of the skills developed through composition and arrangement and songwriting. The teaching will respond to specific areas of practice and interest, enabling a fluid interaction between written, aural and practical student-centred creative approaches.

A range of case studies and relevant methodologies (eg. modes, actuality, field recording, aural harmony and counterpoint, collation, adaptation and arrangement) sourced from global folk and vernacular musical traditions and practices will be analysed and eventually applied to students’ own creative work.

The module will be delivered in a combination of synchronous lectures, seminars, tutorials and workshops and supported by non-synchronous lecture materials. The assignments will be prepared in independent study time, and students must be prepared to share and discuss their own work in group sessions. Independent study time may also involve gaining additional practice in Sibelius (or equivalent) and/or home recording software.

Learning Outcomes

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

By the end of this module students will have developed:

- Knowledge of key compositional and arrangement methodologies, with a view to becoming better equipped for advanced composition study and research in Stage 3 and beyond.

- Enhanced awareness of relevant artists, repertoire and commission practices in the field of contemporary global folk and vernacular music and song.

- Improved competence in musical notation where appropriate to their practice and context, including the production of scores and parts via Sibelius or similar music notation software.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:

- Produce compositions informed by their own interests and areas of practice, demonstrating the application of practical compositional techniques developed and refined during the module.

- Compose and arrange to a specific brief, involving effective planning, time management and the ability to work independently on a creative project.

- Demonstrate fluency in the use of appropriate modes of portfolio submission (eg notation using Sibelius or home/studio recording techniques).

- Document and reflect upon their own creative practice in the form of a written commentary that demonstrates embedded research, knowledge and understanding of their musical field and the role of the composer in professional contexts.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities
Category Activity Number Length Student Hours Comment
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesLecture112:0022:00Lecture material with associated tasks
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesSmall group teaching61:006:00Seminars
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesWorkshops52:0010:00Practical workshops
Scheduled Learning And Teaching ActivitiesDrop-in/surgery20:301:00Tutorials with module leader.
Guided Independent StudyIndependent study1161:00161:00N/A
Total200:00
Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lecture materials outline and illustrate techniques and approaches to composition/songwriting and arrangement, guiding students in the acquisition of core knowledge and skills, which inform their practice.

Seminars and practical workshops from guest composer-arrangers provide a forum in which students will acquire further information and exchange ideas, providing the opportunity to work collectively, share creative work and exchange ideas. Students thus gain peer-to-peer feedback, and lecturers can monitor students’ progress and understanding.

Regular independent study and creative practice is integral to the development of composition portfolios.

Reading Lists

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment
Description Semester When Set Percentage Comment
Portfolio2A30Portfolio of 2 set assignments. 1 assignment will showcase arrangement skills and 1 assignment will showcase composition skills
Portfolio2A70Portfolio consisting of 1 major composition assignment (60%) with supporting (1000 word) written commentary (10%)
Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Assessment methods allow tutors to track skills development and monitor learning, making possible responsive teaching. This module also extends learning into areas of creativity. Formative composition, arrangement and analysis tasks will be set and formative feedback offered by lecturers and peers in group seminars and 1:1 tutorials.

Timetable

Past Exam Papers

General Notes

This updates the previously titled Composition and Arrangement in Folk and Modal Musics module, to more accurately reflect taught content.
Due to staff changes, guest- and co-tuition will be updated ASAP.

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Disclaimer

The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.

In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.

Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.