CREATING MUSIC WITH COMPUTERS 1B - 2019/0

Module code: CMT1003

Module Overview

This module is one of two at Level 4 within the Creative Music Technology degree that develops compositional creative practice and technical skills around using technology to make music. You will examine both established and emerging histories of this field and develop strategies for implementing contemporary approaches to computer-based compositional practices.

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

THOMPSON Bill (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 4

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Overall student workload

Independent Learning Hours: 128

Lecture Hours: 22

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

CMT1002 (Creative Music with Computers 1A) is a pre-requisite for this module

Module content



  • The following is an indication of the likely topics to be covered:

    •  The aesthetic, technical, and stylistic basis of a range of contemporary computer- based compositional repertoire (e.g. noise, glitch, ambient, plunderphonics, live electronics, turntablism).

    •  Detailed study of artist case studies exploring the theory/practice dynamic (e.g. Brian Eno, Matthew Herbert, Holly Herndon).

    •  How to develop individual compositional practice (e.g. artistic intent, contextual awareness, studio methodology, nature of creative process, research and development of ideas).


Assessment pattern

Assessment type Unit of assessment Weighting
Coursework Creative music technology written task 30
Coursework Composition portfolio 70

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate ability in artistic and musical creativity and contextual knowledge.   

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

Coursework: Creative music technology written task (addresses LO 1, 2, 4, 5)
Coursework: Composition portfolio including reflective journal (addresses LO 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Formative assessment and feedback 

Students work on regular compositional and technical tasks, elements of which may be used as part of their summative assessment.  Where possible these are shared in class and will receive formative feedback individual tutorials, email, and online discussion forums as appropriate. Tutorials (individual and group) will be offered both for general guidance and for coursework assessments.

Module aims

  • Examine the aesthetic, technical and stylistic bases of a range of historical and contemporary computer-based compositional practice.
  • Develop strategies (across theory and practice) for individual computer-based creative practice.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed
003 Implement a range of approaches to the challenges of computer based creative practice. CP
004 Demonstrate subject knowledge acquired during the module including an understanding of relevant terminology. KT
005 Use and access a range of learning resources (including IT) and know how to plan work to meet deadlines. PT
001 Understand the historical and aesthetic basis for computer based compositional practice. KC
002 Understand the specific challenges of computer based compositional practice. KC

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Methods of Teaching / Learning


The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:  

Introduce contemporary computer based compositional repertoire and develop individual compositional practice

The learning and teaching methods include:



  • Lectures.


  • Tutorials.


  • Workshops.


  • Guided reading and listening.


  • Responding to questions in class.


  • Preparing for and taking part in class tests.


  • Producing a portfolio of composition tasks.


  • Producing a portfolio of individual compositional work and accompanying commentary. 


Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: CMT1003

Programmes this module appears in

Programme Semester Classification Qualifying conditions
Creative Music Technology BMus (Hons) 2 Compulsory A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.