Examination arrangement

Course content

The course gives a basic theoretical and practical introduction to musical arranging and composition. Through a wide range of music, the students will be exposed to rhythmic, harmonic and formal principles in different genres and traditions, mainly focusing on western popular and classical styles.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the candidate must

• have basic knowledge of notation
• have basic knowledge of harmonic and rhythmic tools in various traditions and styles
• have basic knowledge of arranging and instrumentation for various instruments and crews
• have basic knowledge of textural thinking in a composition
• have basic knowledge of form thinking in various traditions and styles

Skills:

After completing the course, the candidate must

• Be able to create a single musical idea in a personalized style
• Be able to develop a musical idea thinking in various styles
• Be able to create & develop textural musical materials within a composition thinking in various styles
• be able to write a short composition with a clear form and structure in a personalized style
• be able to explain aesthetic and craftsmanship choices in own composition/own arrangement

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises.

There will be up to 10 compulsory exercises during the course that need to be handed in. Participation in group work activities is mandatory.

Instruction is mandatory and demands minimum 80% attendance.

Compulsory assignments

• Satisfactory participation in compulsory classes
• Assignments

Further on evaluation

All compulsory assignments must be passed before the student is allowed to take the final examination. The final examination is evaluated with a letter grade.

The home exam is an assignment in composition which demonstrates that the students are able to both create a new idea in a personalized style and to develop that idea drawing on techniques learned during the course. Students must be able to implement several techniques in development of musical materials, resulting in a short composition with a clear form.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge of musical notation and the notation software Sibelius.

Required previous knowledge

The course requires admission to the Bachelor's Programme in Music Technology. 1-2 places are reserved for students at the Bachelor's programmes in Film and Video Production or Music Perfomance Studies, or at the Master's programme in Electronic Systems Design and Innovation - Acoustics.