Overview

Students work through a course of study which will develop score reading and analytical skills, creativity, and a thorough understanding of the parameters for the construction of tonal music from the common practice era as well as from modern popular music. The module is suitable for those students who have little or no prior knowledge of harmonic or melodic principles (e.g. those who have not done chorale harmonization as part of A-Levels or equivalent), or those students who lack confidence in their skills in this area.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (-D) Full understanding of staff notation, but only basic understanding of musical practice in the historical period studied. Basic grasp of key skills pertaining to the subject, with limited ability to apply these skills in other musical contexts. Limited demonstration of individual creativity. Work is presented coherently but with only limited stylistic appropriateness.

-good (-B) Full understanding of staff notation, with good understanding of musical practice in the historical period studied. Good grasp of key skills pertaining to the subject, with the ability to apply these skills in a range of other musical contexts. Good demonstration of individual creativity. Work is presented coherently, and with some stylistic appropriateness.

-excellent (-A) Full understanding of staff notation, with excellent understanding of musical practice in the historical period studied. Very good grasp of key skills pertaining to the subject, with the ability to apply these skills across the full range of musical contexts. Excellent demonstration of individual creativity. Work is presented coherently and full stylistic awareness.

Learning Outcomes

• On completion of this module, a student should be able demonstrate skills in score reading.

• On completion of this module, a student should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of modern music and analytical notation.

• On completion of this module, a student should be able to demonstrate a solid understanding of the principles of tonal / modal composition through basic pastiche composition.

• On completion of this module, a student should be able to demonstrate skills in the analysis of tonal / modal music according to fundamental principles.