Course overview
This course develops skills in the fundamentals of composition and expands knowledge of styles, structures, notation and score presentation. Composition seminar has a focus on technical studies in compositional methods and analysis.
Course learning outcomes
- A broad knowledge and appreciation of musical repertoire and an understanding of the essential stylistic features of a diverse range of musical genres focussing on the contemporary classical tradition
- Insight into contemporary aesthetic issues and an appreciation of the relationship of music to other artforms
- Skills in creating original musical works demonstrating command of both traditional compositional craft and contemporary musical techniques and approaches
- A high level of competence in the practical aspects of composition: notation; score presentation; use of instrumental and vocal resources; orchestration and music technology
- Ability to communicate musical intentions clearly and effectively to performers
- Capacity to imaginatively develop musical materials through a comprehensive study of the principles of musical structure, melodic writing, harmonic and rhythmic invention, counterpoint, instrumental colour and texture
- The composer's ability to project individual aesthetic ideas through their compositions
- Awareness of the professional practices of a career in composition