Undergraduate Course: Composing for Voices and Instruments (MUSI08080)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | Continuing the studies undertaken by students in Creative Musicianship, this course involves composing for live voices and instruments. Directed by staff within lectures and tutorials, you will create music that takes the form of scores and/or recordings, as well as an artistic statement that details the practice involved in creating your own music. |
| Course description |
Through a combination of lectures, that will include workshops and demonstrations, and tutorials that will faciliate individual and group work, this practice-based course helps students to develop as composers. The major focus of the lectures will be on the techniques and skills required to create music for acoustic instruments and voices. Students will be able to create music across all genres, although there will be a celebratory focus on being innovative and original within the context of the chosen genre.
In lectures, contemporary set works will be used as opportunities to discover the current context for creative practice in the field of composition, and will range from songs and works for solo instrument to large scale chamber music. Each lecture will conclude with a related composition task that allows students to creatively explore the ideas discussed during the class.
In fortnightly tutorials, during alternative weeks to lectures, the students will present their responses to tasks given in lectures, to the tutor, and to their peers. These responses will take the form of informal presentations, and can include solo and group performances. During week 11, each student will have a short individual tutorial with their course tutor to discuss their work in detail, before the final submission.
The course encourages students to find new ways to create, structure and orchestrate /produce their music, to express themselves musically and engagingly, and to develop and challenge their own understanding of music through the creation of new work.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed
Creative Musicianship (MUSI08077)
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | Visiting students must have Grade 5 music theory or equivalent, or have taken a similar foundation course to Creative Musicianship at their home insitiution. All applicants would have to discuss entry onto the course with the course organser. |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2021/22, Available to all students (SV1)
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Quota: 50 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 12,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 5,
Formative Assessment Hours 1,
Summative Assessment Hours 1,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
177 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
100% Coursework
Artistic Statement (20%)
-This reflective document will describe the influences, processes, context and considerations that helped shape the submitted portfolio of compositions.
(800 - 1000 words)
A portfolio of original compositions (80%)
- relating to the ideas discussed, and tasks given during lectures. (The portfolio will contain two pieces of work, each between 4 and 6 minutes in duration. In discussion with the course organiser, variations of equivalent rigour can be submitted)
Both components are submitted during the exam diet. Written feedback will be given within 15 working days. |
| Feedback |
Students will receive formative verbal feedback throughout the semester in group tutorials as their creative practice progresses.
During these tutorials, students will have opportunity to present their work, that relates directly to the tasks given in lectures, to the tutor and to their peers, through discussion and performance, offering continuing opportunity for feedback and peer review.
Written feedback is provided on both components of submitted coursework within 15 days of the submission date. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- conceive musical ideas, manipulate them in an inventive and individual way, and present those ideas coherently and clearly.
- develop musical materials into well-formed musical structures/arguements, utilising appropriate forces.
- Critically reflect on the progress and work made.
- Collaborate effectively with peers, in the development and creation of new musical works.
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Reading List
Elaine Gould, Elaine. 2011. Behind Bars: The Definitive Guide To Music Notation (Theory) : Faber Music
Rutherford-Johnson, Tim. 2017. Music after the Fall: Modern Composition and Culture since
1989. Oakland: University of California Press.
Nelson, Peter (ed.) Contemporary Music Review. Online journal 1984-present. Issues on individual composers, and a wide range of topics covering all aspects of contemporary music.
Cage, John. 1961. Silence : Lectures and writings. Wesleyan University Press
Oliveros, Pauline. 2005. Deep Listening: A Composer's Sound Practice. IUniverse
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
An understanding of the cultural context in which they will contribute as composers
Courage and skills to expand and fulfil their potential as creative musicians
The ability to solve problems through practice led artistic research
Passion to engage locally and globally with the music industry
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| Keywords | composition,creative musicianship,songwriting,chamber,arranging,concerts |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Gareth Williams
Tel: (0131 6)50 2429
Email: gareth.williams@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Mr Hugh Black
Tel: (0131 6)51 5926
Email: hugh.black@ed.ac.uk |
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