Course overview
As the capstone course for the Popular Music and Creative Technologies program, this course develops advanced creative and technical skills in composition and song writing, music production and public presentation of original creative work. The opportunities offered by current technologies and trends will be explored in order to prepare students for professional careers in the music industry, and focus on the development of skills that enable them to adapt to the dynamic nature of the industry into the future.
A particular focus of this course is on the production of a show reel, enabling students to develop skills in putting the final polish on work for publication, and promoting themselves and their creative work in a professional context. Students will also explore strategies for exploiting various web-based media (both traditional, and web 2.0) in order to promote their work, and research new avenues for music production, dissemination and distribution outside traditional models. They will apply their knowledge and skills practically through the production of an e-Portfolio - incorporating a web identity and presence for their creative work and a portfolio of compositions - and be responsible for the planning, organisation and presentation of a 20-minute public recital of their creative work.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate critical interpretations of music scholarship as relevant to both the theoretical and practical aspects of music and music-making;
- Understand the processes involved in the design, development and implementation of creative projects and appropriately employ composition, digital media, and performance in a variety of formats to document outcomes;
- Have confidence in the communication of research outcomes and creative work, whether delivered through oral, written, performance or other media, employing appropriate professional standards;
- Understand the key theoretical and practical issues in the contemporary music industry and apply them more broadly in professional life; and
- Demonstrate project management skills - including identifying overall goals and milestones, creating a plan, and management of personnel and schedules.