Overview

This module seeks to build on Level 4 (year 1) Composition and Sonic Art modules (WXK/WXC1113 and 1114), while at the same time introducing new ideas and techniques. Throughout, the emphasis will be on introducing students to a variety of styles and techniques that have emerged during the second half of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st. This may include bold experimentation and creative innovation, including working with non-tonal styles (pre-tonal, post-tonal, atonal, noise, sound, silence), or the study of avant-garde, post-tonal and post-minimal, and or post-dogma styles of more recent decades.

The module will also lay the foundation for BMus and BA Music students undertaking Composition Projects during Level 6 (year 3).

This module seeks to build on Level 4 (year 1) Composition and Sonic Art modules (WXK/WXC1113 and 1114), while at the same time introducing new ideas and techniques. Throughout, the emphasis will be on introducing students to a variety of styles and techniques that have emerged during the second half of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st. This may include bold experimentation and creative innovation, including working with non-tonal styles (pre-tonal, post-tonal, atonal, noise, sound, silence), or the study of avant-garde, post-tonal and post-minimal, and or post-dogma styles of more recent decades.

The module will also lay the foundation for BMus and BA Music students undertaking Composition Projects during Level 6 (year 3).

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49%) The composition displays some limited creative imagination, with restricted control of musical materials, and minimal understanding of the capabilities of resources (instrumental and vocal). There is scant evidence of a generally intellectual approach.

Good (60-69%) The composition displays a good level of creative imagination, with good control and elaboration of musical materials, based on technical competence in use of resources (instrumental and vocal). There is also evidence of intellectual acumen.

Excellent (70-100%) The composition displays a high level of creative imagination, with emergent individuality of compositional voice, skillful control and elaboration of musical materials, and technical mastery of resources (instrumental and vocal). There is also evidence of high level of ability at conceptual thought, penetration of issues, originality of approach and/or insight.

Learning Outcomes

• Confidently work with the tools and materials of composition

• Demonstrate some originality of thought and movement towards creative independence

• Employ a range of relevant compositional techniques

• Evaluate the compositional merits of a specific piece of work composed in a contemporary style, and apply these judgments to their own work

• Write music which: a) achieves a measure of balance of unity and diversity; b) displays an economy of means; c) makes use of techniques studied on the course