MUS20670

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 Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

Classes will be streamed live from Room J305 every Wednesday evening. Up to 15 students will be invited to attend classes in person each week to work on their pieces, while others will interact with the class through the live stream. These groups will be rotated each week.

This module is delivered through:

1. Practical in-class or online workshops exploring the students' compositional ideas
2. Class discussion and analysis of the works-in-progress
3. Weekly evaluations of students' progress in their allotted tasks
4. Recommended reading and listening will be delivered in class in response to the techniques the students are exploring in their own work
5. Introductory workshops to notation software and digital audio workstations
6. Autonomous Student Learning – students will work from home composing, rehearsing and recording individually, or developing their skills using the software. Small groups may also meet occasionally to rehearse and record together, as circumstances allow.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

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.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

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

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

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).

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.