Course Catalogue

Composition Higher (40 Credits) MUSIC4103

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 40
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: No
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course will enable students to develop greater confidence and further skills in writing an extended composition folio and in creating original performances.

Timetable

15 x 1hr lectures; 5 x 2hr lectures (eg instrumental demos, extended lectures)

10 x 1hr seminars;

5 hours attendance at prescribed ensemble workshops

Requirements of Entry

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Music, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation. Grade D3 or above in either MUSIC2005 or MUSIC4011

Excluded Courses

MUSIC4069 Composition Higher

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Composition for prescribed ensemble (6-8 minutes) - 30%

■ Assignment 2 (15-20 minutes) - 70%

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the composition, but flexible deadlines and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to assignment 2, but flexible deadlines and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ promote a critical understanding of a range of techniques and perspectives in free composition;

■ enable students to apply their critical understanding in the practice of free composition.

■ enable students to apply aesthetic awareness and critical listening skills in the pursuit of notated compositions;

■ continue the development of students' abilities to utilise a range of practical tools in creating an extended composition project

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ apply a broad range of technical means and formal strategies, developed through the course sessions, to create extended compositions

■ create clear stylistic identity in a composition folio through the application of aesthetic judgement and critical listening

■ engage with key areas of concern such as harmony, melodic structure, form, texture, timbre, and notation in the creation of compositions

■ collaborate effectively with others

■ write music that exploits the capabilities of the chosen media

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions