Module Details

Module Code: MUSC9013
Title: Composition Portfolio 1
Long Title: Composition Portfolio 1 (PG)
NFQ Level: Expert
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 30
Field of Study: 2121 - Music & Performing Arts
Module Delivered in: 1 programme(s)
Module Description: This module involves the study of compositions aurally and by score examination to discover the treatment of structure, instrument and development of thematic material. Through workshops and tutorials, the learner will practise idiomatic instrumental writing and extension of material focussing on writing for chamber ensembles
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Generate and develop an original musical idea
LO2 Plan and execute an harmonic and thematic structure, showing faithfulness to plan and economy of material
LO3 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Twentieth Century compositional methods and innovative instrumental techniques
LO4 Compose two complete works/sets of works for two contrasting chamber ensembles
LO5 Create and present a performance-ready score using music notation software
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
A portfolio of contrasting works for varying ensembles should be submitted as evidence of significant compositional activity
 
Indicative Content
Score Study
Exploring the literature of the late Twentieth Century with emphasis on mapping of form, harmonic language and orchestration
Technique
Research in detail contemporary form and harmonic language
Instrumental writing
Intensive analysis of the repertory for chamber ensemble (up to 6 instruments) with emphasis on that which explores new techniques
Presentation
Advanced music notation software skills, recording of the composition, mapping of the creative process and the writing of an analytical commentary to accompany the composition
Workshops
Participation in Improvisation Laboratory, peer composition performances and post graduate seminars
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 100
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Submission of a score, or scores, which are of acceptable standard for rehearsal and public performance, a recording of the works and analytical commentary
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Individual and class-based practical instruction Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Study of scores and composition exercises Every Week 41.00 41
Total Hours 42.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 42.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Michael Nyman. (1999), Experimental music, [ISBN: 0-521-65383-5].
  • Gardner Read. (1979), Music notation, Taplinger Pub. Co., New York, [ISBN: 0-800-85459-4].
  • by Walter Piston. (1955), Orchestration, W.W. Norton, New York, [ISBN: 0393097404].
  • Norman Del Mar. (2014), Anatomy of the Orchestra, [ISBN: 0571250998].
  • Vincent Persichetti. (1961), Twentieth-century harmony, W. W. Norton, New York, [ISBN: 0393095398].
  • Arnold Schoenberg; edited by Gerald Strang; with the collaboration of Leonard Stein. (1970), Fundamentals of musical composition, Faber, London, [ISBN: 0571196586].
  • Karl-Heinz Stockhausen, Robin MacOnie. (2000), Stockhausen on Music, [ISBN: 0714529184].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Scores, as specified by the lecturer.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GMUSC_9 Master of Arts in Music (Taught) 2 Group Elective 2