Inspiration, motivation and artistic development
Listening and analysis
Working with creative music tools and technologies
The theory and practice of experimental music
Collaborative creative practice in the music industry

Composition - A multitrack recording of a musical composition showcasing selected experimental techniques introduced in the module. The composition should be at least 8 minutes and demonstrate a critical engagement with the chosen experimental approach. Presented as part of a showcase of student music within a university event. (LO1, 2,3,4)

Developmental Portfolio presentation – will showcase developmental sketches and evidence of analysis of existing research and practice. (LO 2,3,4)

A mix of lectures, seminars and workshops examining techniques and skills.

1. Develop a wide set of specialist skills relating to experimental music composition, performance and production. Application

2. Document creatively collaborative processes in the creation, refinement and presentation of original musical works. Enquiry

3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of knowledge of contemporary experimental music composition techniques. Analysis

4. Critically analyse and respond to theories and concepts within existing compositions to produce an original piece of work. Problem Solving, Reflection

Media stores / resource centre
Music laboratories
Multichannel diffusion rig
Ableton Live software
Cycling 74 Max software (with additional third-party externals by IRCAM)
Processing software
Various additional third-party audio plug-ins by McDSP, Avid, Eventide, Michael Norris.

Demers, J. (2010). Listening Through the Noise: The Aesthetics of Experimental Electronic Music. Oxford University Press.

Landy, L. (2007) Understanding the Art of Sound Organization. MIT Press.

Nyman, M. (1999) Experimental Music: Cage and Beyond. 2nd edn. Cambridge University Press.

Reich, S. (2004). Writings on Music 1965 2000. Oxford University Press.

Webb, J. (1999). Tunesmith: Inside the Art of Songwriting. 1st Pbk. edition. New York: Hachette Books.

Wishart, T. (1994). Audible Design: A Plain and Easy Introduction to Sound Composition. York, England: Orpheus The Pantomime Ltd.

Experimental music has been a fixture in music within universities since the second world war and has developed a unique and parallel world of approaches and ideas which challenge the way in which we engage as listeners, composers and performers with sound objects. This module will allow you to explore this branch of music and create something beyond the ordinary.