Overview

This module will enable each student to investigate the art of composition at Masters level. The content of the module will be defined by each individual student’s own interests and styles, supervised under the guidance of the module tutor or other relevant members of staff. Various issues relating to current creative trends will be discussed, and how they might be incorporated into each student’s creative practice. The module will be assessed by a substantial composition (or a portfolio of compositions) and an individual presentation.

The content of the course will be defined by each individual student’s own interests, explored under the guidance of the module tutor or other relevant members of staff.

Assessment Strategy

50%-59% (Pass) The main quality meriting a mark in this category is the creation and technical realisation of musical ideas to achieve an effective overall outcome. Factors which may limit a mark to this level include one or more of the following: a global structure not always fully supportive of or supported by the material of which it consists; intermittent lapses in the cogency of musical argument; some aspects of musical ideas left unexplored or under-developed; invention present but limited; mixed success in the effective juxtaposition and relationship of ideas and materials; some imbalance in unity and diversity (especially though overuse of material without development); occasional inappropriate use of instrumental, vocal, sonic and/or technological resources; technique solid but not always assured and fluent; intermittent and limited musical shaping and control of phrases, gestures, pacing, tempo, dynamics, sonorities and textures; some presentational lapses, with some limitations as to the practicability of materials in performance.

60-60% (Merit) The distinguishing quality is the creation, technical realisation and organisation of imaginative musical ideas to create an aesthetically convincing overall outcome. The composition exhibits a majority of the following: a well-articulated and effective global structure; a convincing musical argument, with thorough and cogent exploration and development of musical ideas and materials; imaginatively conceived and articulated musical ideas; unity and diversity finely balanced, such that the composition achieves a very good degree of interest and coherence; appropriate and effective use of instrumental, vocal, sonic and/or technological resources contributing significantly to the creative purpose; assured use of appropriate technical means; very good sensitivity to the shaping of phrases, gestures, pacing, tempo, dynamics, sonorities and textures, with control exercised over their overall effect on the musical outcome; presentation of a good standard, with good attention to detail and clear consideration of the practicability of performing materials and/or the technical specifications of works involving technology.

70%-83% (Distinction) The distinguishing quality is the creation of a compelling, engaging and aesthetically satisfying overall outcome through sustained musical imagination and technical command. The composition exhibits the following: a coherent, tightly constructed global structure; a cogent, convincing and sustained musical argument, constructed through the exploration and development of the full potential of musical ideas and materials; musical ideas conceived and articulated with evident flair and imagination, and some degree of originality; an entirely appropriate (but not necessarily equal) balance of unity and diversity, such that interest and coherence are sustained throughout; distinctive, creative and idiomatic use of instrumental, vocal, sonic and/or technological resources; confident, fluent and discerning use of appropriate technical means; evidence of acute sensitivity to the effectiveness of, and assured control over, the shaping of phrases and gestures, pacing, tempo, dynamics, sonorities and textures, and the combination, juxtaposition and relationship of ideas and materials; impressive presentation, with excellent attention to detail and full consideration of the practicability of performing materials and/or the technical specifications of works involving technology.

84%-100% (High Distinction) Compositions in this category would be convincing and credible within a programme of professionally composed works. Marks in this band will only be awarded in exceptional cases in which the composition offers an utterly compelling musical experience achieved through real creative originality combined with an absolutely assured technical realization.

Learning Outcomes

• Compose proficiently in a contemporary style using a range of appropriate techniques, showing awareness of the language and idioms of contemporary art culture.

• Critically evaluation the compositional merits of a particular style and the success of applying these to original creative work.

• Demonstrate confidence in using the tools and materials of composition, in relation to studio based work and/or instrumental and vocal compositions.

• Demonstrate originality of thought and creative independence.