Composition Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• develop critical reflection skills
• work independently on a creative project
• respond to a clear brief

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• analyse a range of compositional works and recognise a variety of music forms
• analyse harmonic progressions using a variety of different notation methods including Roman numeral notations and jazz/pop chord symbols
• engage with a range of different ways of understanding harmony

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• compose and harmonise a melody
• compose pieces of music in small forms in a range of different compositional styles
• create a coherent score using notation software
• compose with a range of scales and modes
• create chord sequences and control harmonic voicings

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• a range of musical forms
• modal composition and minimalist composition techniques
• compositional and analytical approaches in a range of musical idioms including but not limited to jazz and blues, common practice tonal procedures (including music for screen) and modal contemporary composition
• melodic designs and their implied harmonies
• melodic construction

The following topics will be covered (indicative list):

• Melodic construction
• Major and minor modes
• Common Practice Harmonic techniques
• Basic and more complex formal designs
• Jazz/Pop Chord Terminology and Voicings
• Minimalist composition techniques
• Contemporary modal approaches to composition
• A variety of rhythmic techniques and approaches to musical texture that relate to the breadth of compositional practices explored
• Notation skills

Average of two hours teaching time each week through a combination of lectures, workshops and group tutorials. General pattern of one lecture each week but the teaching method changes according to the topic being covered and the stage in the module. Lectures introduce topics, practical classes consider topics further and group tutorials support the development of assignments.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.