MUSIC

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr P Stollery

Pre-requisites

Entry is by successful audition. As a guide to the expected standard, candidates should normally

- Have achieved at least ABRSM Grade IV or equivalent on piano;
- Be working at no lower than ABRSM Grade V standard or equivalent on additional study instrument or voice;
- Have achieved at least ABRSM Grade VIII or equivalent on main study instrument or voice.

Co-requisites

Students who have not achieved ABRSM Grade IV on additional study, or ABRSM Grade VI on main study on entrance to this course will be required to acquire this qualification, or reach the equivalent level before the end of this course. This is a pre-requisite for entry to Performance Studies 1:2.

Overview

In Main Study and Additional Study, students work on a one-to-one basis with a specialist instrumental/vocal instructor and participate in workshops and masterclasses. Vocal Ensemble provides opportunities to develop vocal skills and rehearsing and directing skills. Keyboard Skills includes exercises in chords and keyboard textures, harmonisation, sight and score-reading, transposition and improvisation. Ensemble requires attendance at a University Music organised activity.
6 hours teaching per week and 2 two-hour workshops.

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr R Williams

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Changes in the way that music is studied in secondary schools makes an overview of musical history essential at this early stage. The Music from 900-1700 component provides an overview of the main musical developments, placing them in a cultural context. Examples of works by a range of composers will be used to illustrate the evolution of compositional techniques. The Music in Contemporary Contexts component will cover a range of topics which look at music today, how it is composed, how it is performed, and how it is experienced; areas covered include contemporary performance techniques, dance music, minimalism, electroacoustic music, improvisation, popular music and music dissemination.
2 two-hour lectures and 2 one-hour tutorials per week.
Examination (40%) and continuous assessment (60%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

None, but ability to read music would be an advantage.

Overview

History of major composers of the Baroque and Classical periods of music. Works by JS Bach, Handel, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven will be studied. Development of musical style against the changing pattern of society in the age of Enlightenment and patronage will be considered. The ability to recognise and discuss musical extracts will be developed.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour seminar per week.
1 two-hour examination (60%). Continuous Assessment: two written submissions (30%). Tutorial presentations (10%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

Higher, A Level in music or Grade V Theory (AB), Access course.

Notes

This course will be offered in alternate years from session 2002/03.

Overview

In this course the basic skills required to compose original music will be introduced. Students will develop a facility in writing for piano, string quartet and voice by the study of examples by major composers and the techniques they use.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial.
Continuous assessment (60%) and final submission (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr D J Smith

Pre-requisites

Higher, A Level, Grade V theory, University Access (Music Studies 2) or equivalent.

Notes

This course will run in alternate years from 2003/04.

Overview

At the heart of this course are weekly exercises in pastiche composition in which students complete extracts of music by Clementi, Mozart, Haydn, Bach and Handel. Students gain experience in writing for piano and string quartet in Classical style, and in composing exercises in two and three-part Baroque counterpoint. The course offers an invaluable insight into the world of eighteenth-century composition, as well as being a useful preparation for composers.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

H Music with special option on instrument offered, or grade VII Associated Board on instrument offered or A/L Performance on instrument offered. Subject to successful audition.

Notes

This course is run over the full session.

Overview

University Symphony Orchestra rehearsals and performances (at least two performances).
Teaching will be through Orchestra rehearsals.
Practical examination in performance (70%) and two written submissions (30%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

A/L Performance on voice or grade VII Associated Board on voice or H Music with special option on voice. Subject to successful audition.

Overview

Chapel Choir rehearsals and performances (not less than 10 per half-session).
1 three-hour class per week, plus one rehearsal per week.
Practical examination in performance (70%) and one written submission (30%).

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

Grade VII Associated Board on instrument offered or H Music with special option on instrument offered, or A/L performance on instrument offered. Subject to successful audition.

Notes

This course is run over the full session.

Overview

University String Ensemble rehearsals and performances (not less than one per half-session).

1 two-hour class per week.
Practical examination in Performance (70%) and two written submissions (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr P Stollery

Pre-requisites

Composition Studies 1:2. A high level of musical literacy is required for this course.

Overview

Students will gain experience in arranging music for a range of ensembles, including the orchestra, in a variety of styles and will learn how to transcribe orchestral scores for piano, as well as learning how to arrange instrumental textures idiomatically for piano.
3 hour seminar/tutorial per week.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr P Stollery

Pre-requisites

Achieved at least ABRSM Grade V, or equivalent on additional study instrument or voice; achieved at lease ABRSM Grade VII, or equivalent on main study instrument or voice; successful completion of Performance Studies 1:1, or equivalent.

Notes

This Performance Studies course consists of the following components: one main study (instrument or voice), one Additional Study, Keyboard Skills, Vocal Ensemble, Rehearsing and Directing and Ensemble.

Overview

In Main Study and Additional Study, students will work throughout the year on a one-to-one basis with a specialist instrumental/vocal instructor, as well as participating in and attending workshops and masterclasses. Vocal Ensemble provides opportunities for students to develop their vocal skills as well as providing a resource for rehearsing and directing skills to be enhanced. Keyboard Skills will include exercises in chords and keyboard texture, harmonisation, sight and score-reading, transposition and improvisation. Ensemble requires attendance at one of the following University Music organised activities – University Symphony Orchestra, University Choral Society, University Concert Band, University String Ensemble, Chapel Choir and Cantores ad Portam.
6 hours teaching per week and 2 two-hour workshops.
Examination (80%) and continuous assessment (20%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr P Stollery

Pre-requisites

Cultural and Historical Studies 1.1.

Co-requisites

None

Notes

This Cultural and Historical Studies course consists of the following components: Music in Scotland, Music Technology and Taster Sessions.

Overview

The Music in Scotland component chronologically surveys music created, and experienced, in Scotland, from the Roman occupation to the present, and its relationship to a wider world. Music Technology covers basic music technology skills including musical applications of the internet, MIDI and audio in powerpoint presentations, MIDI Sequencing, music notation, recording techniques, sound engineering and studio techniques. The Taster sessions consist of opportunities for students to experience an area which they might want to explore further at a later stage, including music education.
Five sessions will be offered covering areas such as music therapy, music and education, electroacoustic music, world music, peripatetic music teaching, music and mass media, music and communities and music administration.
4 hours teaching per week and 5 taster sessions of 5 hours.

Credit Points

10

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

A/L Performance on instrument offered, or voice or grade VII Associated Board on instrument offered or voice or H Music with special option on instrument offered, or voice. Subject to successful audition.

Overview

Chapel Choir rehearsals and performances (not less than 10 per half-session).
1 three-hour class per week, plus one rehearsal per week.
Practical examination in performance (70%) and one written submission (30%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr D J Smith

Pre-requisites

MU 1022

Notes

This course will be offered in alternate years from session 2002/03.

Overview

This course builds on the foundation laid by Creative Composition 1. Students gain more experience in writing for the piano, as well as for other instrumental combinations. Various compositional techniques from the past are explored before being adapted for contemporary use.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial.
Continuous assessment (60%) and final submission (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr D J Smith

Pre-requisites

MU 1023

Notes

This course will run in alternate years from 2003/04.

Overview

This course builds on Harmony and Counterpoint 1, further developing skills in pastiche composition using the harmonic vocabulary of the nineteenth century. At the heart of this course are weekly in which students complete extracts from lieder and string quartets by Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Dvorak and Mahler. The course offers an invaluable insight into the world of nineteenth-century composition, as well as being a useful preparation for composers.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial.
1 two-hour written examination (60%) and continuous assessment (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr P Stollery

Pre-requisites

Composition Studies 1:1

Notes

This Composition Studies course consists of the following components: Composition and Aural, Rudiments and Theory.

Overview

Composition will consist of four three week projects, with students working in whole group, small group and individual contexts. Projects will cover working with percussion instruments, developing melodic lines, setting words to music and working with ensembles. Students compose pieces based on the work covered in the four projects and present them, fully notated and recorded on CD at the end of the half session. Aural, Rudiments and Theory will cover basic skills in all three areas, concentrating on developing acute listening skills through focused listening and developing fundamental theoretical skills which provide the foundation stone for compositional work.
4 hour seminars/tutorials per week.
Examination (25%) and continuous assessment (75%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

Available only to students at Programme Year 2 or above with Higher, A Level, Grade V theory, University Access or equivalent.

Overview

The study of history and repertoire of music from Schubert to Strauss will be combined with the working of harmony exercises in romantic style. The course will examine the musical style of major composers of the period, and place their music in a broader cultural context.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial.
1 two-hour examination (40%); 2 essays (20%); portfolio of exercises (40%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

Available only to students at Programme Year 3 or above who have passed MU 2504 (or equivalent course from another University).

Notes

This course will be offered for the first time in session 2001/02.

Overview

This new course will link two highly innovative periods of music history, the early Baroque and the early twentieth century. It will seek to establish the extent to which accepted traditions and compositional techniques were challenged in the seventeenth and twentieth centuries. Parallels will be drawn between musical developments in the two eras. Aspects of contemporary culture, as well as contextual and comparative analysis will be included.
1 two-hour lecture and 1 two-hour tutorial.
1 two-hour examination (40%), 2 compositions (40%) and 3 submitted essays (20%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

Pass in MU 3001 at Junior Honours level.

Overview

This course will place 18th century Scottish music within an historical, social and national context. Beginning with a study of music and instruments at the end of the 17th century, manuscript collections, first public concerts, music publishing, the “Gow phenomenon” will form the background against which Oswald, Bremner, McGibbon, the Earl of Kelly and other musicians will be placed. The position of imported musicians and links with and influences on music of other countries will be considered.
Variable.
Continuous assessment (60%) (2 compulsory submissions 30%; 1 essay own choice 30%); 1 hour oral exam (20%); tutorial presentation (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr D Smith

Pre-requisites

Pass in MU 3001.

Overview

This course will comprise two elements:

1. A survey of musical developments in the Renaissance from Dunstable to Palestrina,
   a study of music in relations to society and an introduction to musical sources
   of the period.


2. A special topic will be set by the tutor to be studied by all students;
   this will vary from year to year. Details will be posted on the University
   Music web site at the beginning of the academic year.

1 one-hour examination (20%), continuous assessment (60%) and oral presentation (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Professor J Porter

Pre-requisites

Entry to Honours.

Overview

A survey of current issues relating to music, culture and society throughout the world, covering music types, performers, and audiences; within limits the course provides a synthetic overview of European art, folk, popular, and immigrant music as well as the indigenous music of other parts of the world; assesses ways of understanding and interpreting musics very different from European or American models. Sound examples and readings will supplement lectures.
8 two-hour lectures; 4 two-hour tutorials to be arranged.
Continuous assessment (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Pre-requisites

MU 3001

Notes

This course will be offered for the first time in session 2002/03.

Overview

Dissertation of 10,000 words on an approved musicological topic.
Supervision throughout year.
Dissertation (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

MU 3001

Co-requisites

Evidence of satisfactory competence in composition and the approval of the Director of Music.

Notes

This course will be offered for the first time in session 2002/03. It may be possible for students to gain additional experience in composition by taking composition courses offered through the Centre for Continuing Education.

Overview

Submission of portfolio of compositions to last c. 20 minutes in performance. Candidates should be able to show competence in a variety of styles and genres, subject to the approval of the Director of Music.
Supervision throughout year.
Submission of portfolio of compositions (100%).

Credit Points

30

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

MU 3001

Co-requisites

At least Grade 8 distinction, and/or approval of Head of Department following successful audition.

Notes

This course will be offered for the first time in session 2002/03.

Overview

Vocal or instrumental recital of 25-30 minutes duration, the programme to be approved in advance by the Director of Music.
Supervision throughout year.
Recital (100%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr R B Williams

Pre-requisites

MU 3001

Overview

European music between 1945 and 2000 presents a complex and confused picture with radical, conventional and traditional composers working simultaneously. This course will identify ‘seminal’ composers, compositions and theories to bring focus to the many different musics of the period.
4 two-hour lectures followed by weekly 2 hour tutorials.
3 essays of 2500 words.