MUS3016 : Minor Specialist Study: Composition
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Rob Mackay
- Lecturer: Ms Nancy Kerr Elliott, Dr Mariam Rezaei, Dr Bennett Hogg, Dr William Edmondes, Mr Phil Begg
- Owning School: Arts & Cultures
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
1. To engage in a substantial programme of original composition that sums up the student’s undergraduate learning in composition, exploring a range of creative problems
2. To cultivate a professional attitude to creative practice and its presentation
3. To embark on relevant activities associated with the chosen type of composition, in order to maximise preparedness for further work in the discipline
4. To promote awareness of acoustic and electroacoustic methodologies, modes of expression and artistic outcomes
5. To create an environment where composition for mixed-media acoustic/electroacoustic is seen as a natural choice for the student
6. To promote creative and cultural self-awareness in a contemporary context informed by the past
7. To encourage engagement with and understanding of relevant music
Outline Of Syllabus
You will be expected to apply the expertise you have acquired through your previous compositional studies, to develop critical and technical skills relating to your chosen area of composition and awareness of its wider relationship to contemporary music and culture. Under the guidance of your supervisor and in response to your artistic development you may be required to work in particular ways (e.g. to compose for designated forces to suit workshop opportunities, to work collaboratively, to use creative writing or other divergent strategies). Alongside developing your creative imagination you will be expected to cultivate a professional attitude to your practice and its presentation.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | Optional 'occasional' project but open to all students |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 6 | 0:30 | 3:00 | PiP tutorials. But can be synchronous online if needed |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 8 | 2:00 | 16:00 | PiP. But can be synchronous online if needed. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Workshops | 5 | 2:00 | 10:00 | PiP. But can be synchronous online if needed. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 163:00 | 163:00 | N/A |
| Total | 200:00 |
Jointly Taught With
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| MUS3012 | Major Specialist Study: Composition |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Seminars outline creative briefs, present models, encourage critical discussion and promotes the sharing of repertoire and student work
Tutorials monitor progress and secure the realisation of creative projects
Private study constitutes the bulk of the work, where students carry out their creative work
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 2 | A | 90 | Portfolio of compositions. |
| Essay | 2 | A | 10 | Critical and contextual commentary on compositions submitted. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aural Examination | 1 | M | The composition(s) discussed in the Oral Presentation submitted for supervisor formative feedback |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
Portfolio demonstrates skills outcomes 1-6
Supporting documentation demonstrates knowledge outcomes 1-5 and skills outcomes 7 & 8
SEMESTER ONE ONLY STUDY ABROAD: The coursework assessment needs an earlier submission date but otherwise remains unchanged
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- MUS3016's Timetable