COMPOSITION B - 2020/1

Module Overview

This module seeks to advance individual compositional practice beyond the scope of Composition A in preparation for Composition Folio.

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

MERMIKIDES Milton (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 30

ECTS Credits: 15

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

JACs code: W300

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

A pass in Composition A

Module content

 The following is an indication of the likely content of the module: 

• Explanation of the modules requirements (including detailed guidance on the written component).


• Content related to student work.


• A series of seminars covering a wide range of musical practices.


• Presentation and discussion of student work.


• Participation in departmental composition opportunities and events.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop their compositional skills through engagement with contemporary compositional techniques, theories and awareness of relevant creative practice.

The formative assessment and feedback for this module consists of:

• Weekly compositional exercises exploring particular techniques


• Feedback from performers in workshops

Summative assessment for this module includes

• An oral presentation (worth 20% of the final grade) demonstrating a theoretical understanding, critical reflection and contextual awareness of particular compositional skills in relation to your own and wider creative practice. (Learning outcomes 1-9)


• An essay of 1000-2500 words, detailing the student’s compositional approach, critical reflection and contextual awareness of relevant contemporary practice. This is to be accompanied by a portfolio of works (with a total duration 9-20 minutes) and is to include scores and audio realisation as appropriate. The composition is assessed on the idiomatic, imaginative and effective musical application of module concepts, score presentation and idiomatic realization of the works (Learning outcomes 1-2, 4-9). The essay and portfolio are worth collectively 80% of the final grade.

Detailed feedback on the oral presentation, portfolio of works and essay are given (with a breakdown of strengths and weaknesses) in order to enhance continuing compositional practice.

Module aims

• To enable you to develop enhanced skills as a composer and prepare and present a folio of original compositions that demonstrate this, in the context of departmental opportunities for composition.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

• Weekly composition seminars.


• Tutorials.


• Workshops.


• Guided reading and listening.


• Responding to questions in class.


• Preparing and giving class presentations.


• Producing a portfolio of individual compositional work and 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: MUSM043

Programmes this module appears in

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 2020/1 academic year.