DIGITAL IMPROVISATION 2 - 2021/2

Module Overview

You will develop your understanding of the theory, aesthetics and technical considerations of contemporary live electronic music. Topics will include the design and construction of electronic music systems and effective improvisational strategies and practice.

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

MERMIKIDES Milton (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

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

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

CMT2004 (Digital Improvisation 1) is a pre-requisite for this module, or by approval from module co-ordinator.

Module content

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

• 
  Lectures on the history and contemporary execution of live electronic practice


• 
  Workshop sessions on the design and construction of electronic instruments and systems


• 
  Rehearsals and performances of electronic improvisational works


• 
  Design and use of effects and processing in performance


• 
  Design of effective mapping and control systems for live performance


• 
  Live looping


• 
  Creative manipulation of MIDI and audio data in live performance


• 
  Relevant performance, ensemble and improvisational models


• 
  The use of the computer as both ‘extended instrument’ and ‘additional performer’

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to explore and develop new theoretical concepts and practical skills.

The summative assessment for this module consists of:

Performance 1 (worth 30% of the final grade): A solo or group performance demonstrating creative and technical skill in the technical design, aesthetic intent and real-time realisation of a digital improvisational performance. Learning outcomes 1T5.

Performance 2 (worth 40% of the final grade): A solo or group performance demonstrating a development of creative and technical skill in the technical design, aesthetic intent and real-time realisation of a digital improvisational performance. Learning outcomes 1T5, 7.

Commentary (worth 30% of the final grade): A 2000T2500 word essay showing how your work relates to issues of performance, sound art, philosophy and/or improvisation, including technical documentation, analysis and reflection on your creative practice in respect to the two performances. Learning outcomes 1T4, 6T7.

Formative assessment and feedback 

Students will be given a series of weekly performance and technical exercises.  These are not assessed but will provide students with formative feedback via Surreylearn and in class. These exercises can also be used as foundations for the summative assessments.

Module aims

• To develop a theoretical understanding, and practical proficiency of contemporary live electronic music.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

• 
  Eleven 2-hour lecture/workshops.


• 
  Guided rehearsals and performance sessions.


• 
  Supporting material for each classroom session.


• 
  Tutorials.


• 
  Guided reading and technical study.


• 
  Production of a reflective essay, commentary and documentation of performances.

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: CMT3004

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 2021/2 academic year.