COMPOSITION B - 2020/1
Module code: MUSM043
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
Prior to registering online, you must read this general information and all relevant additional programme specific information. By completing online registration, you acknowledge that you have read such content, and accept all such changes.
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
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Oral exam or presentation | ORAL PRESENTATION OF WORK | 20 |
| Coursework | COMPOSITION PORTFOLIO AND COMMENTARY | 80 |
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
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Develop and enhance your compositional practice (the full range of contemporary idioms is recognised). | KCPT |
| 2 | Independently conceive, develop and realise your work. | KCPT |
| 3 | Present your work in class, demonstrating that your practice that is contextual aware, theoretically informed, and insightfully reflective. | KCPT |
| 4 | Demonstrate knowledge of techniques, media and repertoires relevant to the particular sphere of work. | KCT |
| 5 | Communicate a comprehensive subject knowledge with areas of specialisation and an awareness of the provisional nature of knowledge. | KCPT |
| 6 | Demonstrate knowledge of aesthetic and cultural debates relevant to the particular sphere of work. | KCPT |
| 7 | Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of techniques/methodologies applicable to your work. | CPT |
| 8 | Show originality in problem solving. | CPT |
| 9 | Demonstrate independent and self-critical learning. | CPT |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Personal Tutorial Hours: 10
Independent Study Hours: 268
Seminar Hours: 22
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
Reading list for COMPOSITION B : http://aspire.surrey.ac.uk/modules/musm043
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music (Conducting) MMus | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Music MMus | 2 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
| Music (Composition) MMus | 2 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% 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 2020/1 academic year.