This course introduces students to experimental music practices such as improvisation, socially-mediated composing and devising, interpretation of graphic and text scores, and extended instrumental and vocal technique. It considers the problems, challenges and opportunities arising from these practices, and encourages students to combine practical approaches with contextual research. It also provides opportunities for ensemble playing.

10 x 2 hour practical workshops plus 10 x 1hr lectures as scheduled in MyCampus. This is one of the Pre-Honours options in Music and may not run every year. The options that are running this session are available on MyCampus.

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The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Research review: (1000 words) - 25%  

■ 6 minutes of recorded solo or ensemble performance - 25%  

■ Contribute to a 30 minute live performance - 25%  

■ Critical Reflection (1000 words) - 25% 

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

■ There are no alternatives to the Research Review, but extensions to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ Where a recorded performance is not possible, a written listening comprehension task will be set in relation to an existing recorded performance of experimental music. 

■ Where participation in the performance is not possible, students will be invited to submit a written performance pitch. 

■ There are no alternatives to the Critical Reflection, but extensions to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (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.  

This course aims to:

■ introduce practical, critical and research skills relevant to experimental music performance

■ explore connections between composition, interpretation and improvisation

■ enable students to explore their identity as creative musicians

■ introduce students to a range of approaches used in contemporary music-making

■ engage in ensemble playing and performance

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

■ participate in devising experimental musical performances, both solo and in an ensemble context

■ listen critically to a range of experimental music practices

■ undertake research to inform their own musical performance

■ perform using a range of methods relevant in experimental music of the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries such as improvisation, socially-mediated composing and devising, interpretation of graphic and text scores, and extended instrumental and vocal technique

■ critically reflect upon and contextualise their own performance in writing