Module MUSI2311: STUDIES IN COMPOSITION

Department: Music

MUSI2311: STUDIES IN COMPOSITION

Prerequisites

• Techniques of Composition (MUSI1161).

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the aesthetic preoccupations of composers and the techniques they employ for the devising of musical material.
• To encourage students to apply these skills critically in the creation of new work.
• To build on composition works written in the first year and to provide a technical foundation for those students intending to submit a composition folio in their final year.

Content

• 1.Two compositions based on compositional techniques related to those discussed in the course: i) a work for solo instrument (33%) specified by the course tutor.
• ii) a work for vocal and/or instrumental ensemble (5-10 players) (33%) to be submitted by the end of teaching week 16.
• and 2) a free composition for a specified chamber ensemble (34%), to be submitted by the first day of the examination period.
• Each composition should be of three to five minutes duration and accompanied by a brief explanatory commentary of 300-500 words.

Learning Outcomes

• A familiarity with theoretical concerns directly relevant to contemporary classical composition.
• Experience in devising musical material through the creation of new work, building on the skills in the creation of musical material learnt in year one and leading on to the critical understanding of compositional techniques to be learnt in year three.
• An understanding of the practical demands placed on the composer, to be derived through feedback from the tutor and workshop performance of student works, which is to be understood as a stepping stone towards the professional standards of score and part preparation expected in year three.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures will present musical aesthetic ideas and the compositional techniques they have given rise to through examples of 20th century music and contemporary music.
• Through feedback from tutorials students will learn how to apply these skills critically in the creation of new work.
• The students' compositions will also receive detailed feedback through performance workshops.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Formative feedback through tutorials and through the workshop.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University