MUS20670 UCD Composition Ensemble 1

Academic Year 2020/2021

In this performance-based module, students will gain practical experience of all aspects of the composition process, from original concept and development, to ensemble arrangement, notation, rehearsal, and finally, concert performance and/or recording.

Students may choose to be assessed in one of three ways:
composers will create an original musical work, under the guidance of the module coordinator, to be submitted as a score (or equivalent) at the end of the semester;
performers will prepare a recital or a recording of the compositions to be submitted at the end of the semester;
students with a particular interest in audio editing may choose to produce and edit the ensemble's recordings using the Reaper software.

All students are expected to make creative contributions towards the composing, interpreting and performing of the music throughout the semester.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

All students completing this module will:

1. Learn how to develop and structure their compositional ideas
2. Learn how to write effectively for the different instruments in the ensemble
3. Learn, as performers, how to offer creative input into the composition process by demonstrating different instrumental techniques and interpretive possibilities
4. Learn about a range of contemporary and historical composition and performance practises
5. Develop practical skills pertaining to the rehearsal process, including preparing scores and parts, and working together in a small ensemble
6. Be guided in the correct use of music notation and technical terminology in order to communicate accurately with other musicians.
7. Be introduced to aspects of music technology including notation software (MuseScore, Sibelius) and digital audio workstations (Audacity, Reaper).

Indicative Module Content:

Composition techniques
Instrumental techniques
Creative collaboration
Music theory and terminology
Music notation
Music notation software
Audio recording

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Small Group

12

Autonomous Student Learning

64

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Classes will be streamed live from Room J305 every Wednesday evening. Up to 15 students will be invited to attend classes in person each week to work on their pieces, while others will interact with the class through the live stream. These groups will be rotated each week.

This module is delivered through:

1. Practical in-class or online workshops exploring the students' compositional ideas
2. Class discussion and analysis of the works-in-progress
3. Weekly evaluations of students' progress in their allotted tasks
4. Recommended reading and listening will be delivered in class in response to the techniques the students are exploring in their own work
5. Introductory workshops to notation software and digital audio workstations
6. Autonomous Student Learning – students will work from home composing, rehearsing and recording individually, or developing their skills using the software. Small groups may also meet occasionally to rehearse and record together, as circumstances allow.
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Students are expected to have some prior musical experience of a level which would enable them to discuss musical ideas and to perform alongside fellow musicians. For example, a guitarist who might not read music notation, but has some experience writing their own material or playing in a group; or a pianist who is classically trained, but has not yet had experience composing or playing in an ensemble.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Attendance: Students will be expected to make regular creative contributions to the group during class discussions and workshops Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

20

Assignment: Written score & commentary (composers), video recording & commentary (performers), or Reaper project file & composers (audio editors) Week 12 n/a Graded No

30

Continuous Assessment: Students will be expected to demonstrate that they are making clear progress with their composing or rehearsing or audio-editing skills week-on-week Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The teacher will monitor student progress throughout the term. Regular feedback and guidance will be given to each student in the ensemble, especially in the final weeks before the evaluation. Students are expected to integrate this feedback into their work outside of class time, and to demonstrate their progress week-on-week.

Name Role
Dr Peter Moran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer