Music Understanding C

Specialization on a student-selected theme from music history which should be connected to the student's principal instrument. The written assignment should include analytical and/or critical elements. The assignment could also contain sounding examples, recorded/live presented by the candidate. The project plan and assignment will be developed in consultation with the course instructor, and should be approved and presented for the class by November 1st.

Composing/developing/arranging a piece of music of 2-4 minutes length, to be performed by the student in a concert arranged for this purpose. The piece must have references to the theme of the assignment above, and must be in a written format. The piece may include improvisation.

In class: Course in academic writing and themes related to composing. Presentations.

Individual tutoring related to the composition and the written assignment.

Knowledge:

The candidate

• has extended knowledge about a defined topic in history of Western art music
• has knowledge of some basic issues related to composing and notation
• has knowledge of the performing traditions and aesthetics from the self-selected in-depht area
• has knowledge about and can orient oneself in relevant literature

Skills:

The candidate

• Demonstrates good writing skills and has knowledge of the conventions of academic writing.
• Can select, research and complete a written assignment independently
• Can relate her/his knowledge about history of music to his/her own musical performance
• Has a sufficient compositional workmanship level to compose a musical piece to be performed by the student
• Can reflect on the importance of aural skills, and actively apply these skills in rehearsing, performance and composing.

2 hour lessons for 8 weeks, fall and spring. Lectures, presentations and discussions.

Individual tutoring: 4 hours in composition, 4 hours in the written assignment