Course overview
This course is designed primarily with the needs of composers in mind, but may be of interest to performers, musicologists and others interested in music analysis. The principle focus is post-tonal, non-tonal and atonal music, together with analytical methods that can assist an understanding of how such music works.
Each session is divided between explanation of techniques and methods, and practical student-centred analytical exercises on pieces drawn from the classical repertoire.
The overall approach is empirical. Key works from the classical repertoire form the primary material and points of departure across the semester.
Course learning outcomes
- Knowledge of a range of methods suitable for analysing non-tonal, post-tonal, or atonalmusic
- Ability to evaluate the various methods of non-tonal analysis in a critically constructive manner
- Ability to analyse a non-tonal piece according to the pitch-class set method of Babbitt and Forte
- Ability to analyse a serial piece according to the methods of serial analysis including the serial matrix
- Ability to present analytical reasoning in a written form including charts, diagrams, and musical notation
- Ability to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the various analytical methods in relation to chosen pieces of non-tonal music
- Ability to present and communicate analytical ideas through musical notation supported by text commentary
Availability
Class details
Adelaide City Campus East
Group 1
Class number 51775
Section WS01
Size 25
Available 24
Notes:
Class number 51774
Section LE01
Size 25
Available 24
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
If you are studying in a Professional Pathway Psychology or Clinical Psychology program, please refer to the Student Contributions amounts published here.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.