Students on the module will analyse and evaluate key works of 20th and 21st century composition. They will also explore and develop a variety of techniques to compose music using historically informed practices and technologies. Students will have the opportunity to create an original composition in an appropriate genre using suitable methodologies and technologies.

Goldman, J (2014), The Musical Language of Pierre Boulez Cambridge University Press
Griffiths, P (2011) Modern Music and After. OUP
Kostka, S (2006) Materials and Techniques of Twentieth Century Music Pearson Prentice Hall.
Lockhead, J (2015), Reconceiving Structure in Contemporary Music: New Tools in Music Theory and Analysis Routledge
Manning, P (2013) Electronic and Computer Music OUP
Ross, A (2009), The Rest is Noise: Listening to the 20th Century Harper Perennial
Whittall, A (2000), Musical Composition in the 20th Century OUP

The FACT Technology Laboratories and Studios
Media stores / resource centre
Music Studios
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.
Microsoft Office software
Books, eBooks and audio recordings via the Library
Lynda.com Training library

Students should have studied Music Technology at Degree level or have appropriate prior experience.

1. EVALUATE CRITICALLY KEY WORKS OF 20TH AND 21ST CENTURY COMPOSITION
[Enquiry]

2. EVALUATE METHODOLOGIES FOR COMPOSING MUSIC USING HISTORICALLY INFORMED PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGIES
[Problem Solving; Reflection]

3. APPLY KNOWLEDGE OF COMPOSITION TECHNIQUES TO PRODUCE AN ORIGINAL COMPOSITION [Communication; Problem Solving]

An in course assessment consisting of:

A composition weighted at 40% assessing learning outcome 3
A written report weighted at 40% assessing learning outcome 1
A presentation weighted at 20% assessing learning outcome 2

3 hours taught sessions per week over 13 weeks and 111 hours of independent study

Key Information Set Data:
24% Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activity
76% Guided Independent Study

Modern music, from film scores to pop music and everything in between, has a variety of influences. On this module you will analyze and evaluate key works of 20th and 21st century contemporary classical composition in order to learn how they have shaped the music we listen to today. You will also explore and develop a variety of techniques to compose music using historically informed practices and technologies. You are not expected to have a background in classical composition and you do not need to read music. You will, however, have an opportunity to brush up on, or develop from scratch, your music theory skills. You will be encouraged to experiment with composing music in different genres. At the end of the module you will have the opportunity to create an original composition.