MUS20690 UCD Composition Ensemble 3

Academic Year 2021/2022

In this performance-based module, students will gain practical experience of all aspects of the composition process, from original concept and development, to ensemble arrangement, notation, rehearsal, and finally, concert performance and/or recording.

Students may choose to be assessed in one of two ways:
composers will create an original musical work, under the guidance of the module coordinator, to be submitted as a score (or equivalent) at the end of the semester;
performers will prepare a recital or a recording of the compositions to be submitted at the end of the semester;

All students are expected to make creative contributions towards the composing, interpreting and performing of the music throughout the semester

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Curricular information is subject to change

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).

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

64
Lectures

24
Small Group

12
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered through:
1. Practical in-class workshops exploring the students' compositional ideas
2. Class discussion and analysis of the works-in-progress
3. Regular 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. 
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 and to perform alongside fellow musicians. For example, a guitarist who might not read music notation, but has some experience writing their own material or playing in a group; or a pianist who is classically trained, but has not yet had experience composing or playing in an ensemble.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Students will be expected to demonstrate that they are making clear progress with their composing or rehearsing week-on-week. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

70
Assignment: Written score & commentary (composers); recital or recording & commentary (performers). Week 12 n/a Graded No

30

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-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.