Basic standard music scoring, simple and compound meters, scale and key signatures.
Introduction to harmonic and counterpoint theory.
Creative processes and practices, including a study of artist performance and audience response to music performance, listening, application, improvisation, recording, composition and performance.
Musical forms and how they function.
Key songwriting and composition techniques, including lyric writing and the use of language in composition.
Developing musicianship individually and as part of a group.

3-hour lecture / laboratory / tutorial / seminar sessions per week

Media stores / resource centre
Music laboratories
Music studios/rehearsal spaces

Microsoft Office software

Books, eBooks and audio recordings via the Library
Lynda.com Training library

Online hosting (e.g. Soundcloud) and transfer (e.g. Dropbox) services

1. UNDERSTAND AND EXPLAIN STANDARD MUSIC THEORY, USING APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE AND NOTATION TO SCORE YOUR OWN WORK IN A POPULAR MUSICAL STYLE.
[Knowledge and Understanding; Application]

2. DISCUSS AND ANALYSE THE PROS AND CONS OF YOUR COMPOSITIONAL WORK AND ITS PERFORMANCE.
[Reflection; Communication]

3. RESEARCH PERFORMERS AND PERFORMANCES AND UNDERSTAND WHY THEIR CREATIVE MUSIC PRACTICE WAS SO SUCCESSFUL
[Analysis; Communication]

4. UNDERSTAND THE FORM AND STRUCTURES WITHIN POPULAR MUSICAL COMPOSITIONS.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

5. RESEARCH AND EXTRACT USEFUL COMPOSITIONAL TECHNIQUES FROM MUSICAL WORKS. [Analysis; Problem Solving]

6. DEVELOP AND CONTRIBUTE A SPECIALIST SKILL TO A GROUP MUSICAL PERFORMANCE.
[Learning; Application]

100% In course assessment comprising:

20% In class test on basic music theory. (Learning Outcome 1)

50% group Portfolio to include audio and written documentation of the development of songs/compositions, final recordings of songs/compositions, and documentation of performances (Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6.)

30% group presentation of your portfolio to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of your song and performance (Learning Outcomes 2,4,5,6)

PLEASE NOTE ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENTS FOR Semester 1 & 2 2020/21 DUE TO COVID-19 AS FOLLOWS:

20% In class test on basic music theory. (Learning Outcome 1)

50% group Portfolio to include audio and written documentation of the development of songs/compositions, final recordings of songs/compositions, and documentation of performances (Learning Outcomes 3,4,5,6.)

30% Report instead of group presentation

Belkin, A. (2018) A Practical Guide to Musical Composition (2nd ed.), University of Montreal. Available at: http://alanbelkinmusic.com/site/en/index.php/alans-blog/
[Accessed June 27, 2019].
Collins, N., Schedel, M. & Wilson, S. (2013) Electronic Music. Cambridge University Press.
DeSantis, D. (2015). Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers. Ableton AG.
Manzo, V. J. & Kuhn, W. (2015) Interactive Composition: Strategies Using Ableton Live and Max for Live. 1 edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Perricone, J. (2007) Melody in Songwriting Tools and Techniques for Writing Hit Songs, Paperback. Boston, MAż: Milwaukee, Wis: Hal Leonard Corporation.
Rink, J. (2005) The Practice of Performance: Studies in musical interpretation. Cambridge University Press.
Taylor, E. (1989) The AB Guide to Music Theory Vol 1. Part 1 edition. London: OUP Oxford.

Creativity is a fundamental part of recording and songwriting. This module serves as an introduction to music theory, performance, listening and improvisation in production, composition and recording.