DIGITAL IMPROVISATION 1 - 2023/4

Module Overview

You will be introduced to the theory, aesthetics and technical considerations of electronic improvisation. Topics will include history of live electronics, design of hardware and software instruments and practical improvisation.

Module provider

Music and Media

Module Leader

THOMPSON Bill (Music & Med)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 5

Module cap (Maximum number of students): 16

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

Laptop with appropriate hardware and software, as advised.

Module content

Indicative content includes:

•     Plenary sessions and lectures on the aesthetics of live electronics.

•     Workshop sessions on the design and construction of electronic instruments  and systems suitable for digital improvisation.

•     Rehearsals and performances of electronic free improvisation.

•     Reading assignments on selected texts.

•     Reflective tasks based on small group performances.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

Assessement1: 2000 Word commentary, 4 reading summaries and 4 rehearsal recordings (55%); Assessement2: 10 minute A/V recording of a solo live electronics performance (45%).

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate:

1. engagement with the module (its workshop sessions component, reading assignments, small group performance, and contribution to class),


2. an understanding the aesthetics of free improvisation,


3. free improvisational performance skills,


4. the ability of design and develop and electronic instrument/system suitable for free improvisation and to assess its suitability.


5. and critically reflective understanding of the nature of free improvisational process.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Group Performance: components 1, 3 and 4. Marks are awarded for participation in the weekly rehearsal process, the use and development of a bespoke electronic instrument/system and a final group performance reflecting improvisational and live performance skills.


• Coursework commentary: components 1, 2 and 5. Marks are awarded for completion of reading assignments, small group rehearsals and a 2000 word commentary detailing the development of a personal electronic instrument/system as well as a theoretical explanation of the nature of collective free improvisation based on the readings and personal experience

Formative assessment 

Formative assessment is integral to the weekly workshop sessions and foundational to all components of summative assessment.

Feedback

Feedback is provided discursively in the context of the workshops, via individual tutorials, email, and online discussion forums to discuss and explore technical and creative issues. Final written feedback is disseminated via SurreyLearn.

Module aims

• To develop a theoretical understanding, and practical proficiency of free improvisation in an electronically mediated context.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

Develop a theoretical understanding, and practical proficiency of free improvisation in an electronically mediated and collective context.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 
  Plenary sessions.


• 
  Collective improvisation lab sessions.


• 
  Guided reading and summary writing.


• 
  Small group performance and reflective commentary writing.

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: CMT2004

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 2023/4 academic year.