MMus Critical and Experimental Composition

Year 1

(Award available for year: Master of Music)

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the nature of and processes involved in a musical composition
2. Evince coherent and detailed knowledge of the discipline, which is at the forefront of, or informed by, contemporary musical and aesthetic thought
3. Deploy established compositional techniques in original ways, with appropriate critical and aesthetic reflection
4. Demonstrate a practical understanding of how established techniques are used to create new work in a variety of media, and both small- and large-scale forms and structures
5. Manage long-term musical thought in original patterns and form-building
6. Ensure your compositions address key practical considerations of the relationship between composer and performer (as appropriate to your compositional specialism)

Skills Learning Outcomes
1. Adapt a range of presentational skills appropriate to their own compositional practice
2. Take a proactive and self-reflective role in working, through the evaluation of own and others’ ideas, and to develop professional relationships with others
3. Self-direction and effective decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations
4. Undertake independent learning and the ability to work in a way which ensures continuing professional development

Assessment

We use a variety of assessment methods, each of which is chosen to best measure your achievement of a module’s learning outcomes and associated skills, so you and we can understand and support your progress and development. Depending on the modules you choose, across your degree you are likely to encounter a mix of written assignments (e.g. essays, reports, reviews, reflective logs), creative outputs and portfolios (e.g. compositions, editions), recitals and performances, presentations, and project work. Assignments will generally be completed individually, though some may require elements of group working leading to individual submissions.  



You might be given a brief, question or problem to be addressed, or you may have scope to determine your own question or approach under the guidance of a member of staff. You’ll be given clear instructions regarding the assessment requirements and criteria, and you’ll receive feedback on your work to support your learning as you progress through your course. Assessments will usually require you to synthesise and evaluate learning from multiple taught sessions and learning resources (e.g. a module’s lectures, seminars, set readings and other online resources), and you should think of your course as a whole, and apply your learning across your modules. Creative, applied and practical work may offer you the chance to take risks and experiment with new ideas and concepts, and in all cases we encourage you to challenge yourself, to think critically and creatively, to move as far beyond your comfort zone as you can, and to reflect on your working process and achievement. Composition portfolios will be submitted with accompanying commentaries that allow the student to present and situate their work in aesthetic terms.

Our assessments are designed to be fair and inclusive, to engage you intellectually and to help prepare you for life beyond University through the development of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.