2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MUSS3240 Composition
40 creditsClass Size: 20
Module manager: Dr Mic Spencer
Email: m.spencer@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
Pre-requisites
| MUSS2220 | Composition |
| MUSS2621 | Electronic & Computer Music |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Building on skills and contextual knowledge at levels 1 and 2, students work with a supervisor in group tutorials to develop two pieces that relate to critical and experimental composition since the 1950s. Students are not restricted (within practical reason) in their choice of medium or instrumentation, and are encouraged to develop an independent compositional voice through creative application of rigorous technique and broad knowledge of their chosen compositional field.Objectives
On completion of this module, students will have typically produced two compositions alongside two critical commentaries on those compositions.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:
1. assimilate technical knowledge in an original way,
2. to employ methodologies for creative problem solving,
3. to present work to a very high standard,
4. to be self-aware about their compositional choices and their aesthetic position
5. choose appropriate notational or other presentation methods for their practice.
Skills outcomes
Compositional skills
Applied music technology skills
Notation skills
Syllabus
Composition work is carried out in collaboration with a supervisor. The makeup of each composition 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
Students will be directed to online resources developed to support the module as appropriate, and a reading list will be provided. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the relevant research context in their approach to practical work.Private study time will typically include:
• 11 hours of preparation for and follow up from each tutorial (logs etc. as required)
• 100 hours of self-directed background reading and listening
• 274 hours for creation of the compositions, including preparation for the work-in-progress tutorial
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
The tutorial nature of the classes provide opportunities for staff and peer feedback across the module.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | Original composition to be agreed with tutor in tutorials. Accompanying commentary (1000-1500 words) | 50.00 |
| Assignment | Original composition to be agreed with tutor in tutorials. Accompanying commentary (1000-1500 words) | 50.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 12/04/2024
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