Module overview
You will be introduced to a series of techniques and processes that can be applied to a wide range of commercial musics in the first semester; in the second semester you will work closely with course tutors in one-to-one tutorials to develop a portfolio of original work of commercial music in any form (including music to picture or other media, pop, dance or concert music, etc).
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- how to create a coherent portfolio of commercial musical pieces of significant and appropriate complexity in duration, scope and realisation.
- realise musical ideas as appropriate in traditional score and/or audio and/or multimedia formats.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- develop and transform source material using appropriate techniques for chosen musical style(s)
- understand the requirements of producing original musical ideas to a professional-quality finished outcome
- plan the construction of a portfolio as a coherent whole rather than a collection of unrelated pieces. This might be, as examples, all or part of an album or EP, work for large-scale theatre project, musical, film, video game, or a showreel of smaller projects for use as a marketing tool.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- demonstrate self-awareness, research and written communication skills
- devise appropriate production schedules and documentation to manage creativity, production and delivery requirements
- Understand and work closely to a brief
- work independently and/or part of a team to produce an original composition (or stylistically accurate pastiche)
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- manipulate musical materials to produce compositions which satisfy a given brief
- understand the technological requirements to realise a given musical idea as sound
Syllabus
In the first semester, a range of commercial composition topics are explored in discreet exercise units, which are designed to expose you to core concepts for further independent research and creative exploration through ‘real world’ assignments. You will be given a brief and will need to engage in a process of pitching, developing and realising your responses to that brief as sound; and you will participant in a group evaluation process of your work against the brief and assessment criteria.
Towards the end of first semester, you will be required to formulate your own brief for your Final Portfolio in consultation with teaching staff such that it meets the learning outcomes of the module, with individual tutorials available for supervision throughout the semester; teaching may also include supplementary lectures on practical issues such as musical & non-musical aspects of presentation and production.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- lecture
- group discussion & feedback
- practical workshop
- individual tutorials
Learning activities include
- critical listening to music & analysis
- preparation of demo recordings &/or scores
- reading texts/watching online tutorials on usage of technology (instruments, audio equipment, computer hardware & software, etc).
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Teaching | 36 |
Independent Study | 264 |
Total study time | 300 |
Resources & Reading list
General Resources
Sound on Sound. Magazine online subscription
Internet Resources
Introduction to Music in Film and Video.
Logic Pro X Essential Training.
Textbooks
Davis, R (2010). Complete Guide to Film Scoring. Boston: Berklee Press.
Huber, M., Runstein. R. (2017). Modern Recording Techniques. Oxford: Elsevier.
Karlin, R., and Wright, F. (2001). On The Track. New York: Routledge.
Pat Pattison (2009). Writing Better Lyrics. Cincinatti: Writers Digest Books.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Formative assessments designed to provide informal, on-module feedback: within the context of class presentations, you feedback on and assess each others' work with reference to assessment criteria and rubrics. No formal marks are awarded but you will lose 2% of your final mark if you fail to make a presentation when requested.
Summative assessment of Final Portfolio includes a Reflective Report.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
Assignment
- Assessment Type: Formative
- Feedback:
- Final Assessment: No
- Group Work: No
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External