Undergraduate 

Music MA

Introduction to Composition MUSIC2005

  • Academic Session: 2023-24
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes

Short Description

This course is designed to introduce students to a range of compositional skills, through exploration of repertoire and techniques based on contemporary and 20th century approaches to composition.

Timetable

12x1hr lectures (Fridays 1pm); 7x1hr workshop; 11 x1hr seminars as scheduled in MyCampus.

Excluded Courses

Introduction to Composition (MUSIC4011)

Assessment

Performance workshop with critical reflection (700 words) - 25%

Composition 1 (2 minutes) - 25%

Composition 2 (4-6 minutes) - 50%

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

■ Explore core techniques used in 20th century and contemporary music composition;

■ Enable students to adapt practices that are typical in the creation of music compositions;

■ Promote aesthetic awareness and critical listening skills through the pursuit of written compositions and devising workshops;

■ Develop students' ability to utilise a wide range of practical tools in composition.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ Apply a range of technical means to create compositions;

■ Apply aesthetic judgment to create clear and stylistic identity in compositions, reflecting engagement with the content of the course sessions;

■ Consider issues such as harmony, melodic structure, form, texture, and timbre; as well as the effective and accurate use of notation, in writing compositions;

■ Collaborate with peers in devising original musical performances;

■ Write music with an understanding of the chosen media

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.