Composition 2

Course Content:

This module provides the opportunity for students to further develop compositional skills
and refine their personal voice, with an emphasis on contemporary techniques and
styles.

Engagement with a wide range of musical styles in order to broaden understanding of
more complex compositional issues is encouraged, this may include: alternative methods
of notation; large-scale structuring principles; interactivity and conceptual models in
composition. Technical, aesthetic and stylistic aspects of compositional work will be
developed alongside an awareness of context both historical and philosophical. A direct
collaboration with a performer to produce a new bespoke piece will be a feature of one
of the projects.

Topics covered include:
? critical evaluation and analysis of contemporary and Twentieth Century
works;
? advanced techniques for the development of musical material;
? approaches to harmony and formal structuring;
? methods of notation, including graphic and unconventional notation;
composition seminars on a range of contemporary music-based topics;
? lectures on specific contemporary techniques and their contexts;
? collaborative workshops and presentations.

Teaching: Lectures, seminars and workshops

Assessment:
STUDY OPTION 1:
? Portfolio showcasing a number of musical works of approximately 15 minutes
duration in a chosen contemporary style.
? Students will also work on a joint compositional project with performers, which
is performed publicly.
STUDY OPTION 2 OR STUDY OPTION 3: alternative assessment

Study Option 1 = Whole Year
Study Option 2 = Autumn
Study Option 3 = Spring/summer