Applied Composition

MUA 148, 248, 348, 448, 548, 648

1. DESCRIPTION OF COURSE:

None (No description is given for applied music courses)

2. COURSE OBJECTIVES:

a. The student will develop compositional skills beyond those basics covered in the music theory sequence
b. The student will create musical works, progressing from small, simple projects to large, complex ones
c. The student will produce works representing a wide spectrum of musical styles, structures, and performance media
d. The student will develop advanced skills in the analysis and performance of music by other composers due to the "insider" perspective gained in studying composition

3. COURSE OUTLINE:

a. Pure melody
b. Counterpoint
c. Various styles of twentieth century music
d. Harmony
e. Tonality
f. Writing for voices
g. Writing for piano
h. Writing for organ
i. Writing for various other instruments
j. Standard notational devices
k. Unusual notational devices

4. EVALUATION:

Compositional projects are evaluated in both quality and quantity by the instructor and by the faculty jury, using the standard letter grading scale. The instructor then determines the final grade in the course by averaging the jury grades then adjusting the result as appropriate to reflect lesson attendance, recital attendance, and daily work.

5. REQUIREMENTS:

a. A brief (approximately sixteen-measure) composed passage is due for each lesson. A particular problem or set of circumstances is assigned for the student to respond to in composing the passage. As the student progresses he/she will be allowed more personal latitude in defining the scope of the compositional projects.

b. Students taking one hour credit will be expected to complete at least two works per semester, and those taking two hours credit will be expected to complete four works. This number is in addition to any compositional exercises assigned by the professor. This requirement may be applied with some flexibility, depending on the length and complexity of compositions.

6. BOOKLIST – SUPPLEMENTAL RESOURCES:

Brindle, Reginald Smith. Musical Composition. Oxford University Press, 1986.
Cogan, Robert, and Pozzi Escot. Sonic Design: The Nature of Sound and Music. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1976.
Hindemith, Paul. The Craft of Musical Composition, Book 1. Associated Music Publishers, Inc., 1945.
Kohs, Ellis. Musical Composition: Projects in Ways and Means. Scarecrow Press, Inc., 1980.
McCutchan, Ann. The Muse That Sings: Composers Speak about the Creative Process. Oxford University Press, 1999.

Disability Statement: Campbellsville University is committed to reasonable accommodations for students who have documented learning and physical disabilities, as well as medical and emotional conditions. If you have a documented disability or condition of this nature, you may be eligible for disability services. Documentation must be from a licensed professional and current in terms of assessment. Please contact the Coordinator of Disability Services at 270-789-5192 to inquire about services.