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Composition Folio - MUS00013H

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. John Stringer
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

  • None

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations


Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The module allows you to explore issues in contemporary compositional practice, and to demonstrate your engagement with and control of compositional techniques through completion of an independent folio of substantial pieces of music.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the project you should:

  • demonstrate assurance with, an individual approach to, and a sophisticated control of, techniques of composition appropriate to realisation of your chosen outputs.
  • demonstrate understanding of compositional techniques employed by 20th and 21st-century composers.
  • have developed your presentation skills to a professional level.
  • have acquired a focussed awareness of the fundamental issues of composition such as clarity of expression, coherence, unity and diversity within the overall formal structure.
  • by applying these principles and techniques in your compositions, have begun to discover and develop the potential of your own creative voice.

Module content

If you choose this option, you must have already taken a Composition Module and will need the approval of your supervisor and composition tutor. You must attend regular tutorials (at least two a term) and are required to attend the weekly CMRC Seminars (16.00-17.30 Tuesdays) as well as the fortnightly 'Composers' Club' through which you can discuss works in progress with your peers be supported with composition staff across the school. The cmrc seminars and Composers Club sessions will appear on your timetable.

The portfolio is likely to contain at least two pieces with a total duration of around 15 minutes. The Composition Folio must be submitted with a short commentary (at least 1,000 words), which should elucidate your purposes in writing the works, discuss technical aspects of each composition, and briefly discuss antecedents or comparable work by other composers. If good-quality performances or realisations of the compositions have been documented, audio or video recordings may, if you wish, be included. When a portfolio includes works that are improvised, theatrical, or site-specific (such as installations), the inclusion of full performance documentation is strongly recommended.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Composition Portfolio		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Portfolio of Compositions with a duration of around 15 minutes, supported by a short commentary (at least 1000 words).

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Composition Portfolio		 N/A 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

These will vary according to the project.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.