Module Details

Module Code: MUSC8127
Title: Composition 4
Long Title: Composition 4
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2021/22 ( September 2021 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2121 - Music & Performing Arts
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: This module builds on the skills developed in Composition 3. Through score study and workshops the learner will deepen their understanding of 21st century composition and interdisciplinary practices. They will further develop and refine their individual voice through class-based lectures and workshops. This module focusses on collaborative and interdisciplinary composition in preparation for a career as a professional composer-performer.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Compose a substantial musical work or suite of works for multiple forces that includes interdisciplinary elements and/or collaborative methods.
LO2 Exhibit compositional creativity through the creation and development of original musical ideas.
LO3 Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of contemporary compositional techniques and ideas including conceptual and theatrical approaches, interdisciplinary methods and collaborative projects
LO4 Use a variety of digital devices to create, edit and publish audiovisual documentation of creative compositional work.
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.
Composition 3 or equivalent. The learner must submit a short project plan prior to enrolling on the module, detailing their idea for the assessment and with whom they intend to work.
 
Indicative Content
Creative analysis
Exploring contemporary approaches to creative composition through score reading and the analytical viewing of performance documentation, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches that will inform the creative composition portfolio.
Technique
Developing complex musical ideas and concepts through practice, working collaboratively and reflecting critically on creative work.
Presentation
Portfolio presentation techniques, advanced music software notation skills, the writing of an analytical and contextual commentary to accompany the composition portfolio, documenting performances using audiovisual technology.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 30
Timing Every Week Learning Outcomes 1,2
Assessment Description
Continuous assessment of skill development through group discussions and sharing of work-in-progress
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 70
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
A substantial piece of creative compositional work with interdisciplinary and/or collaborative elements lasting 7-12 minutes, documented via audio or video recording and accompanied by a contextual and analytical commentary totalling 1500 words
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
Lab Contact Class based instruction including group discussions of the learner's work-in-progress Every Week 1.00 1
Lecturer Supervised Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Independent study and creative work on composition project Every Week 6.00 6
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Philipp Schulte. (2021), An incomplete organum for documenting works of art, [ISBN: 9783753435275].
  • Matthias Rebstock (ed). (2020), Independent Music Theatre in Europe, [ISBN: 978383945].
  • Jennie Gottschalk. (2016), Experimental Music Since 1970, [ISBN: 9781628922493].
  • John Lely and James Saunders. (2012), Word Events: Perspectives on Verbal Notation, [ISBN: 9781441173102].
  • Michael Nyman. (1999), Experimental Music: Cage and Beyond, [ISBN: 0521653835].
  • Dave Black and Tom Gerou. (1998), Essential dictionary of orchestration : ranges, general characteristics, technical considerations, scoring tips : the most practical and comprehensive resource for composers, arrangers & orchestrators, [ISBN: 0739000217].
  • Bruce Cole. (1996), The Composer's Handbook, [ISBN: 0946535809].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Works that will be covered. (selected):.
  • Alex Ho. (2019), Untold, (online: https://www.alexhocomposer.com/untold).
  • Elaine Mitchener. (2015), Of Leonardo Da Vinci, (online: https://www.elainemitchener.com/of-leonardo-da-vinci).
  • Johannes Kreidler. (2014), Audioguide, (online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rwTO9Fs1_0).
  • Jennifer Walshe. (2003), XXX_LIVE_NUDE_GIRLS!!!, score and recording (online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kqhcqXKVec).
  • Laurie Anderson. (1983), United States Live, album.
  • Meredith Monk. (1969), Juice, (online: https://www.meredithmonk.org/repertory/juice-2/).
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources