Module description
This module develops students' skills in composing music to a fixed brief. When writing music for the concert hall, composers are to a large extent free to choose the type of music they want to write. In other contexts, however, composers are frequently required to work within narrower constraints. This may include writing music to accompany the moving image, the generic constraints of song writing, or imitating musical styles of the past. While the particular focus will change year to year, this module is designed to train students in the applied skills required of composers today.
Assessment details
- Assignment 1 33%
- Assignment 2 67%
Educational aims & objectives
- To introduce students to a range of compositional techniques;
- To help students to develop their skills in composing for instruments;
- To help students to develop the skills involved in writing music in response to a specific brief.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practical skills appropriate to a Level 5 module. In particular, they will demonstrate:
- knowledge and understanding of compositional techniques relevant to the style in which they are writing;
- practical skills in composing for instruments;
- skills in writing music to a brief in an applied context.
Teaching pattern
The module will be taught via lectures and seminars.
Suggested reading list
Core course readings will be provided.