Composition Fundamentals

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• melodic designs and their implied harmonies
• modal composition and minimalist composition techniques
• melodic construction
• compositional and analytical approaches in a range of musical idioms including but not limited to jazz and blues, common practice tonal procedures (including music for screen) and modal contemporary composition
• a range of musical forms

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• analyse a range of compositional works and recognise a variety of music forms
• engage with a range of different ways of understanding harmony
• analyse harmonic progressions using a variety of different notation methods including Roman numeral notations and jazz/pop chord symbols

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• compose pieces of music in small forms in a range of different compositional styles
• create a coherent score using notation software
• create chord sequences and control harmonic voicings
• compose with a range of scales and modes
• compose and harmonise a melody

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• develop critical reflection skills
• respond to a clear brief
• work independently on a creative project

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.