2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

MUSS1220 Composition

20 creditsClass Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Scott McLaughlin
Email: S.McLaughlin@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

Knowledge of musical notation and instruments; familiarity with Western contemporary art music (post-1950) would be an advantage.

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module will introduce students to a variety of rudimentary techniques of composition which are rooted in Art music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Throughout the module, students will be introduced to approaches of both acoustic (notation-based) and electronic sound-composition (computer-based) fields as well as to a range of repertoire which will focus on contemporary music post-1940 with some emphasis on staff research interests. At the end of this module, students will be able to:Use a range of basic techniques to compose original music; have an understanding of the diversity of twentieth century music history; understand notions of presentation of scores/practice-based material; write in a self-reflective way about the processes they have used, the structures employed, the historical context, and the original aspect of their work.Assessment: 1 electro-acoustic composition; 1 acoustic composition; each piece is accompanied by a commentary.

Objectives

This module will introduce students to a variety of rudimentary techniques of composition which are rooted in Art music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Throughout the module, students will be introduced to approaches of both acoustic (notation-based) and electronic sound-composition fields as well as to a range of repertoire which will focus on contemporary music post-1940 with some emphasis on staff research interests.

Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students will be able to:
- use a range of basic techniques to compose original music;
- have an understanding of the diversity of twentieth century music history;
- understand notions of presentation of scores/practice-based material;
- write in a self-reflective way about the processes they have used, the structures employed and the historical positioning and original aspect of their work.

Syllabus

The class will be divided in half at the start of the module with the first cohort studying approaches to acoustic music composition while the second cohort will study approaches to electro-acoustic music composition.

In the second semester the two cohorts will swap and study the other compositional approach.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	2	2.00	4.00
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Private study hours			174.00
Total Contact hours			26.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

Students are expected to do follow up reading from the recommended texts, to study scores and sound recordings where applicable and to write their music compositions and commentaries. 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.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students are monitored through attendance at lectures where there is the potential for them to ask questions for clarification of issues, and at the end of each semester when they submit 50% of their coursework and are given formative feedback.

Students can also benefit from peer-learning through a discussion forum in the VLE.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Portfolio	1 electro-acoustic composition accompanied by a commentary of between 500 and 1000 words OR 1 acoustic composition accompanied by a commentary of between 500 and 1000 words	50.00
Portfolio	1 acoustic composition accompanied by a commentary of between 500 and 1000 words OR 1 electro-acoustic composition accompanied by a commentary of between 500 and 1000 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

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:43:20

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