MUSIC115-21B (HAM)

Composition 1

15 Points

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Division of Arts Law Psychology & Social Sciences
School of Arts
Music

Staff

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Convenor(s)

Michael Williams

Michael Williams
9369
IJ.2.02
See Moodle
michael.williams@waikato.ac.nz

Lecturer(s)

Administrator(s)

Placement/WIL Coordinator(s)

Tutor(s)

Student Representative(s)

Lab Technician(s)

Librarian(s)

: anne.ferrier-watson@waikato.ac.nz

You can contact staff by:

  • Calling +64 7 838 4466 select option 1, then enter the extension.
  • Extensions starting with 4, 5, 9 or 3 can also be direct dialled:
    • For extensions starting with 4: dial +64 7 838 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 5: dial +64 7 858 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 9: dial +64 7 837 extension.
    • For extensions starting with 3: dial +64 7 2620 + the last 3 digits of the extension e.g. 3123 = +64 7 262 0123.
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Paper Description

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This course is designed to develop your technical skills in composition and extend your artistic sense of creating, manipulating and analysing music.

The development of creative and technical musical skills based on historical as well as contemporary art music and popular idioms: melody writing; thematic development; harmonic understanding; contemporary musical languages.

It is understood that students come from a variety of musical backgrounds and this paper aims to cater for those with notation/ conventional traditions and those who are are from more familiar with aural and digital technology traditions. However, it is important that those with non notation backgrounds aim to add this to their skill set and those who work only in notation based environments aim to add composition through digital technology to their skill set.

Students will be expected to contribute to improvisation sessions on a variety of instruments, both acoustic and electronic.

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Paper Structure

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All materials for this paper will be available online. There will also be two X one hour tutorial/ workshop sessions each week

There are four modules in this paper which are:

1. Creating Music

2. Experimental music

3. Music videos

4. Technology for composers and performers

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Learning Outcomes

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Students who successfully complete the course should be able to:

  • Learning Outcomes

    The course has four components:

    Composition studies/ Analysis

    This involves the study of composition techniques based on historical as well as contemporary art music idioms. This includes considering the organisation of musical ideas; melody writing; the art song; thematic development; harmonic understanding and counterpoint.

    Creating your own music

    You will be required to write a number of short composition pieces as well as two major composition assignments. The styles and techniques will be based on material covered during lectures. Students are also expected to participate in improvisation sessions which will vary from vocal, instrumental, digital and experimental.

    The notation programs "Sibelius" or "Finale" should be used to present notated scores and some guidance will be given to those who are unfamiliar with their use. Pro-Tools and Abelton Live are available as production programs but those with home studios are free to use whatever software they have available.

    Music and Technology

    Students will be trained in the operation of DAWs (digital audio workstations) and will learn basic recording, editing and experimental techniques.

    Music Videos

    The moving image has become an integral part of how many people experience music. Students will learn how to video record and edit performances and other material to accompany their original compositions.

    Linked to the following assessments:
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Assessment

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Assessment Components

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The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0. There is no final exam. The final exam makes up 0% of the overall mark.

The internal assessment/exam ratio (as stated in the University Calendar) is 100:0 or 0:0, whichever is more favourable for the student. The final exam makes up either 0% or 0% of the overall mark.

Component DescriptionDue Date TimePercentage of overall markSubmission MethodCompulsory
1. Quiz 1
26 Jul 2021
No set time
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
2. Quiz 2. Harmony
28 Jul 2021
No set time
10
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
3. Assignment 1 Solo Instrument Composition
4 Aug 2021
No set time
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
4. Quiz 3. Counterpoint
11 Aug 2021
No set time
10
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
5. Major Composition Assignment
18 Aug 2021
No set time
20
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
6. Technology (composition)
6 Oct 2021
No set time
20
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
7. Major Composition Assignment 2
13 Oct 2021
No set time
20
  • Hand-in: In Lecture
  • Online: Submit through Moodle
Assessment Total:     100    
Failing to complete a compulsory assessment component of a paper will result in an IC grade
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Required and Recommended Readings

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Required Readings

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E Home Recording Studio:

https://ehomerecordingstudio.com/home-recording-studio-essentials/

Other notes will be made available on Moodle

Required Software

Pro-Tools. You can download Pro-Tools First which is free through the Avid website at this address: https://www.avid.com/pro-tools-first

You can also buy a subscription for Pro-Tools full version for around $10/ month at this address: https://www.avid.com/audio-recording-software

Da Vinci Resolve. This is a free video editing software program and can be downloaded from this address: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/nz/products/davinciresolve/ (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to find the free download)

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Recommended Readings

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Cope, David. Techniques of the Contemporary Composer. New York: Schirmer Books, 1997.

Kennan, Kent. Counterpoint. 4th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1999.Adler, Samuel. The Study of Orchestration. 2nd ed. New York: W.W. Norton of Co, 1982.

Salzer, Felix and Schachter, Carl. Counterpoint in Composition. ed. Morningside. New York: Columbia University Press, 1969.

Vella, Richard. Musical Environments. NSW: Currency Press, 2000.

Straus, Joseph N. Introduction to Post-Tonal Theory. 3rd ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1990.

Manzo, V.J.MAX/MSP/JITTER for Music. New York: Oxford University Press, 2011.

Manzo, V.J & Kuhn. Interactive Composition. New York: Oxford University Press, 2015

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Other Resources

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www.oxfordmusiconline.com

www.naxosmusiclibrary.com

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Online Support

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Students are able to communicate with the lecturer via Moodle or email directly.

Resources, assignment and test results will be posted on Moodle.

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Workload

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Students are expected to spend at least 150 hours on this paper. This constitutes lectures, tutorials and self directed study.
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Linkages to Other Papers

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Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Equivalent(s)

Restriction(s)

Restricted papers: MUSI115

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