MUS2041 : Composing for Voices and Instruments (Inactive)
- Inactive for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Bennett Hogg
- Teaching Assistant: Mr James Clay, Dr Jorge Boehringer
- 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 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
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.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 32 | 1:00 | 32:00 | work on composition submissions and/or performances for assessment |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 4 | 2:00 | 8:00 | lectures on techniques and repertoire - PIP |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 3 | 1:00 | 3:00 | Tutorials on final project after Easter Vacation |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 11 | 1:30 | 16:30 | seminars looking at work in progress or working through practical challenges - PIP |
| Structured Guided Learning | Structured research and reading activities | 20 | 2:00 | 40:00 | weekly recommended listening and some set readings |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | workshops on practical aspects of the projects - PIP |
| Guided Independent Study | Project work | 22 | 4:00 | 88:00 | independent/small group work |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 1 | 0:30 | 0:30 | surgery time available online (email/Canvas) - PIP |
| Total | 200:00 |
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 Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 1 | A | 50 | Composition Portfolio (notated scores, written assignment) |
| Portfolio | 2 | A | 50 | Composition Portfolio (notated scores, written assignment) |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Portfolios demonstrate attainment of technical and aesthetic development through creative outputs.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MUS2041's Timetable