2016/17 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MUSS3240 Composition

40 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: Dr Ewan Stefani
Email: e.j.stefani@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisites

MUSS2220

Composition

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

On completion of this module, students will have produced a folio of creative work typically consisting of:

2 Compositions (80% of the final mark) with commentaries (circa 2000 words) (20% of the final mark)

Students should be capable of presenting their ideas to a very high standard, with clarity in the most appropriate form of notation/documentation and of providing an informed commentary on their work. The emphasis at level 3 is very much in terms of student-directed learning where, through small group tutorials, the lecturer primarily facilitates the creative process undertaken by the student.

Students may decide to produce a piece of purely acoustic work, purely electro-acoustic work or a combination of both, depending on the aesthetic justification for doing so (which will be documented in the commentary).

Students are encouraged to investigate their own interests in technological developments, media, aesthetics, models (where appropriate), conceptual thinking, stylistics, spatialisation, technical processes, extra-musical inspiration and influences more generally.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module students will be able to:
-assimilate technical knowledge in an original way, to employ methodologies for creative problem solving, to present work to a very high standard, to be self-aware about their compositional choices and their aesthetic position.
-choose appropriate notational or other presentation methods for their practice.

Skills outcomes
Presentation skills, technical understanding of compositional processes, creative thinking skills, the ability to conceptualise and then realise the concept.

Syllabus

Composition work is carried out in collaboration with a supervisor. The makeup of each portfolio is governed by the student's choice of activity, genre, medium, and form, as a guide (see above).

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	2	2.00	4.00
Tutorial	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			385.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			400.00

Private study

389 hours which involves analysing other composer’s scores and/or recordings, possibly reading texts about contemporary music or aesthetics and writing the music for the portfolio/doing the commentary. Due to the nature of compositional practice, it is recommended that the 11 hours contact time are spread evenly (i.e. 1 every two weeks) across semesters 1 and 2 since, unlike other Major modules, composition does not have a specifically independent project. Please note that all concerts of contemporary music put on by the School are compulsory to attend. These are vital support for your learning and understanding, and will often be used as examples or points of discussion in lectures.
Due to the nature of compositional practice, it is recommended that the 11 hours contact time are spread evenly (ie 1 every two weeks) across semesters 1 and 2 since, unlike other Major modules, composition does not have a specifically independent project.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

- Learning Contract
- Discussion of work in tutorial
- discussion forum in the VLE.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	Consisting of 2 original compositions [as 80% of the final mark] to be agreed in consultation with the student in advance via a Learning Contract.	80.00
Report	accompanying commentaries (1,000-1,500 words each)	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 06/05/2016

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