Module MUSI1201: CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Department: Music

MUSI1201: CONTEMPORARY MUSIC

Prerequisites

• A-Level Music

Corequisites

• Readings in Musicology and EITHER Issues and Methods in Musicology OR The Analysis and Perception of Music.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• This module introduces composition as an academic discipline at Level 1. It is also a practically-based introduction to contemporary classical music for performers and students wishing to study musicology and analysis. The strong performance element of this course will enable students to achieve a greater technical and aesthetic understanding of contemporary classical music. It will also enable composers to gain a greater appreciation of the issues pertaining to the performance of new music.

Content

• The composition part of the course will be devoted to a study of composition techniques from the second part of the twentieth century. During any one year three of the following compositional techniques will be covered in the first two terms: a) serialism; b) minimalism; c) Lutoslawski "aleatoric counterpoint"; d) Ligeti "cloud clusters"; e) Boulez "chord multiplication"; f) free composition for solo instrument and tape delay; g) composition in groups; and h) composition for film.
• The performing element part of the course (also confined to the first two terms) will give students first-hand experience of rehearsing, devising and performing contemporary classical music in workshops and concerts. Students will encounter a range of different performance contexts, ranging from solo performance with tape delay, to participation in small and large ensembles. In addition, they will be introduced to elementary conducting skills pertinent to new music.
• In the third term there will be four lectures exploring the rich diversity of contemporary classical music and associated performance techniques from 1960 to the present day. These will cover i) new approaches to rhythm; ii) new approaches to pitch; iii) a short introduction to music theatre, electroacoustic music and multi-media; and iv) the new tonality and new approaches to the marketing of contemporary music.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain a technical and ciritical understanding of contemporary classical music, embracing a range of forms.

• Students will have first-hand experience of composing music using compositional and performance techniques drawn from the second part of the 20th century.

• Students will achieve a greater competence and experience in playing contemporary classical music and in performing in small and large ensembles.

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

• Teaching will be by lectures and workshops. Students will be assessed in three different ways on the course: 1) composition portfolio (Boulez, Lutoslawski, composition for solo composition and tape delay); 2) creative participation in performance workshops; and 3) one-hour listening examination (stylistic recognition of new music). The assessment of creative participation takes the form of four mini practical projects completed during the year, each evaluated in terms of participating skills, creativity in interpreting musical materials and concepts, and practical competence.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Regular written and practical exercises, and participation in rehearsal workshops.

■ 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