MUS20690 UCD Composition Ensemble 3

Academic Year 2023/2024

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 three ways:
(i) as composers who 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;
(ii) as performers who will prepare a more substantial recital of the compositions at the end of the semester;
(iii) as both a composer and a performer, either dividing their focus 50/50, or focussing more on one than the other

Additional credit is awarded in recognition of outstanding contribution and participation in the ensemble (e.g. taking on additional duties which may arise in the rehearsal process or in the lead up to concert performances).

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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).

Indicative Module Content:

Music composition
Instrumentation
Arranging and Interpreting
Music Notation
Music Theory and Terminology
Contemporary and historical composition and performance practises
Ensemble rehearsals and performance

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Tutorial

12
Autonomous Student Learning

64
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 work
4. Written assignments in the form of compositional exercises to be completed at home
5. Recommended reading and listening will be delivered in class in response to the techniques the students are exploring in their own work
6. Introductory workshops to notation software and digital audio workstations
7. 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, or a pianist who may be classically trained, but has not yet had experience composing or playing in an ensemble, or a guitarist who can read tablature to a concert standard.

Students focussing on composition will be given regular homework assignments, writing chords, melodies, and rhythms. Therefore, a basic understanding music notation and music theory is desirable. Additional support is also available for those who have just a little knowledge of these areas and need assistance advancing.


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, specifically incorporating or responding to the material taught in class. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

70
Practical Examination: Written score & commentary (composers); recital & commentary (performers); or a balanced evaluation of both (composer-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, 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.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 15:00 - 15:50
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Wed 19:00 - 20:50
Autumn