Unit information: Composition Project in 2020/21

Unit name	Composition Project
Unit code	MUSI30064
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Professor. Pickard
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Music
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will begin with weekly seminars on contemporary music, each one highlighting an issue for creative response in the form of a weekly exercise or compositional miniature on specified topics. Later in the semester, this will replaced by the composition of more extended movements for student ensembles as agreed with the unit director.

Aims:

This unit aims to immerse student composers in a selection of recent stylistic developments through detailed technical and analytical study of models; application of specified techniques in exercises and workshop compositions; and self-critical reflection and constructive comment on the work of peers (in the small group tutorials).

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to:

1. recognise and discuss the main established practices of contemporary music
2. understand and comment in detail on a variety of 20th-century compositions
3. respond creatively to given issues or problematics
4. further develop and display technical competence and imaginative quality within the emerging individual style beyond that achieved in previous levels
5. deepen self-recognition of the composer’s ‘authentic’ voice
6. compose suitable contemporary works for small ensembles

Teaching Information

Seminars, workshops, individual and small group tutorials.

Assessment Information

(a) three prescribed miniatures addressing specific musical problems (Weighting: 30%) Successful attainment of outcome (3) will enable the student to demonstrate (1-2)

(b) a commissioned work for agreed ensemble, (Weighting: 70%). Successful attainment of outcome (4) will enable the student to demonstrate (6) the whole making a varied portfolio of c.10-12 mins. duration . A successful portfolio will also embody (5). Students are required to attend the workshops at which these compositions are performed in order to receive credit points.

Reading and References

Attention will be drawn during the unit to significant works that have shaped contemporary musical styles and aesthetics, and to works that may serve as models for the media being addressed; additionally, concerts, broadcasts and recordings will be recommended.