Learning Outcomes:

All students completing this module will:

1. Learn how to develop and structure their compositional ideas
2. Learn how to write effectively for the different instruments in the ensemble
3. Learn, as performers, how to offer creative input into the composition process by demonstrating different instrumental techniques and interpretive possibilities
4. Learn about a range of contemporary and historical composition and performance practises
5. Develop practical skills pertaining to the rehearsal process, including preparing scores and parts, and working together in a small ensemble
6. Be guided in the correct use of music notation and technical terminology in order to communicate accurately with other musicians.
7. Be introduced to aspects of music technology including notation software (MuseScore, Sibelius) and digital audio workstations (Audacity, Reaper).

Indicative Module Content:

Composition techniques
Instrumental techniques
Creative collaboration
Music theory and terminology
Music notation
Music notation software
Audio recording

Student Effort Type	Hours
Lectures	24
Small Group	12
Autonomous Student Learning	64
Total	100

Learning Recommendations:

Students are expected to have some prior musical experience of a level which would enable them to discuss musical ideas in class, and to perform alongside fellow musicians. For example, a basic knowledge of music notation would be recommended, or the ability to read guitar tablature at a concert level, or the ability to learn music quickly by ear, and so on.

In order for the module coordinator to ascertain the level of experience of new students joining the ensemble, new students must submit a video/audio recording demonstrating their performance skills to composition@ucd.ie after they register.

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  

Description	Timing		Component Scale		% of Final Grade
Practical Skills Assessment: Students will submit a written score & commentary and/or perform the repertoire they have learned in a public recital.		n/a	Graded	No	30
Individual Project: Students will be expected to demonstrate that they are making clear progress with their composing or rehearsing week-on-week.		n/a	Graded	No	70

 

Resit In	Terminal Exam
Spring	No

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

The teacher will monitor student progress throughout the term. Regular feedback and guidance will be given to each student in the ensemble, especially in the final weeks before the evaluation. Students are expected to integrate this feedback into their work outside of class time, and to demonstrate their progress week-on-week.

- Smith Brindle, Reginald. 'Musical Composition'. Oxford University Press, Oxford (1986).

This is an easy read for new composition students looking for a few tips on how to start thinking about melody, accompaniment, structure, etc. with handy chapters on each topic. James Joyce Library 781.3BRI

- Cope, David. 'Techniques of the Contemporary Composer'. Schirmer, USA (1997)

For the more experienced composition student, this book covers more advanced harmonies, rhythms, techniques, concepts and theories. James Joyce Library 781.3COP

The Cambridge Guide to Orchestration can be accessed online through UCD Library. This book will tell you about what each instrument can and cannot do. Just look up the instrument you are writing for. And there are plenty more books like this on the shelves in the UCD library including Walter Piston's "Orchestration" (UCD Library Shelf: 781.384 PIS) and Samuel Adler's "The Study of Orchestration" (UCD Library Shelf: 781.384 ADL)..

To answer any notation questions, see Elaine Gould's "Behind Bars" (access online through UCD Library).

Name	Role
Dr Peter Moran	Lecturer / Co-Lecturer