Portfolio (100%)
An annotated portfolio of work comprising:
 ¿ Evidence of individual contribution to the composition and writing of a minimum of 4 pieces of music and/or songs
 ¿ Research, planning, preparation and rehearsal
 ¿ Participation in collaborative recording sessions and a performance to a live audience.
[1, 2, 3, 4]

Formative Assessment
Observation of engagement in practical activity both individual and collaborative
Participation in discussions and progress reviews

An essential requisite for any musician aspiring to work professionally in the music industry is the ability to work effectively as part of a band or ensemble. The understanding of how to take direction whilst also being creative and innovative within a group structure is an intrinsic element of working as a band. Knowledge and experience of this will greatly enhance your employment prospects and sustainability as a musician and this module is designed to introduce and explore this requirement.

The module will also consider the reasons why it is important to understand and be actively involved in composition and songwriting in a group situation, including an understanding of the context that underpins the work. The importance of royalties to a musician cannot be underestimated and the more pieces you contribute to writing, then the greater your earnings from royalties. Not only this, but you will explore through the practical aspects of this module how a collaborative response to the generation of performance material can increase camaraderie and unite the band. Through live performance you will experience what it is like to present original material, developing your confidence and competence in working with fellow musicians and audiences.

You will prepare yourself for the prospect of being signed to a record label, by setting targets and deadlines in order that you can practise writing, recording and performing as a band to a schedule and being aware of the need for promotion.

In all aspects you will need to work effectively with others, within the band and in the wider industry context. This will require the development of effective communication skill and an ability to foresee challenges and negotiate suitable solutions.

Assessment requires you to make an individual contribution to the collaborative writing and recording of a repertoire of original music and/or songs along with further development of your performance material and participation in a band performance to an audience at a live venue.

Strategies in this module are active and practically focussed and will require a mix of individual and collaborative learning, both in and out of timetabled sessions. Activities will allow you to apply your existing theoretical knowledge, and creative and technical skills through the development of original music and/or songs for recording and live performance, thus allowing you to make sense of your prior learning in a professional work related context. You will continue to learn from others by exploring existing work and by making connections with the tasks you have been set. These tasks will challenge you to combine and refine your abilities through practise, discovery and problem solving. The assignment will require you to engage in independent learning through the research and development of material and there will be an expectation throughout this module that you approach this requirement proactively in order that your progress is not hindered.

Learning will be facilitated through the following:
 ¿ In-class and independent research and analysis of the work of others within the industry
 ¿ Hands-on composition and songwriting workshops
 ¿ Practical development of material
 ¿ Song critiques with formative feedback
 ¿ Rehearsal and recording sessions supported by playback opportunities with peer analysis
 ¿ Live song performance workshops with critical analysis and debate
 ¿ Opportunities to interact with visiting practitioners
 ¿ 1:1 tutorials and progress review
 ¿ Performance to audience

 ¿ Specialist performance and rehearsal spaces appropriate to musical direction
 ¿ Microphones and recording equipment when necessary.
 ¿ Musical Instruments
 ¿ PA equipment
 ¿ Listening facilities
 ¿ Whiteboard
 ¿ Projector
 ¿ Mac computers

1. UNDERSTAND THE PRINCIPLES AND CONTEXT OF SONGWRITING, RECORDING AND PERFORMING AS A BAND AND KNOW HOW TO INTEGRATE YOUR OWN SKILLS IN ORDER TO CONTRIBUTE EFFECTIVELY TO THE CREATION OF PERFORMANCE MATERIAL.
[Knowledge and Understanding]

2. EXAMINE SONGWRITING CONCEPTS AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS AND EXPLORE HOW ORIGINAL MATERIAL CAN BE GENERATED ENSURING IT IS SUITABLE FOR ITS TARGET MARKET
[Analysis]

3. RECOGNISE PROBLEMS AND PRESENT CREATIVE AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS WHEN PLANNING TO PERFORM AS A BAND IN A LIVE VENUE.
[Problem Solving]

4. CONNECT PROFESSIONALLY WITH FELLOW BAND MEMBERS THROUGH ONGOING CONSTRUCTIVE COMMUNICATION IN ORDER TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF A WORK SCHEDULE, DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT, FOCUS AND RESPECT.
[Communication; Working with Others]

Banner, S. (2012) Build Your Band: Essential Guidance for Young Musicians: The Little Self Publisher ¿s Shop
De Main, B. (2004) In Their Own Words: Songwriters Talk about the Creative Process: Praeger Publishers
Petersons, E. (2015) Songwriting: How to start a song: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Rachel, D. (2014) Isle of Noises: Conversations with great British songwriters: Picador