Orchestration and Arranging

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• transcribe material from piano music to orchestral format
• mix musical colours, in appropriate textures (at unison, octaves, etc) to bring out melodic lines as necessary
• The same regarding the balance of textures of different types – contrapuntal, homophonic etc
• Understand and engage with the musical syntax of an arrangements’ ‘style’, and extrapolate it convincingly
• Lay out scores to a high standard by hand or in computer-set notation

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Present polished copies of musical score, either handwritten or printed with the aid of a computer notation programme for music software
• Communicate your own ideas and responses to a brief
• Anticipate practicalities when working with groups of people with differing requirements
• Manage your time when planning and handling large scale assignments
• Conceive, think through and execute a creative task
• Perceive the implications of a brief and plan accordingly

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• how to arrange song-forms in appropriate structures, with correct instrumental distribution of harmony and voice-leading, and with appropriate use of invented materials such as introductions, countermelodies, and (in the case of jazz and pop) grooves and hooks
• how to handle instruments in large and small ensembles to provide well-balanced textures

Cognitive Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• plan the use of orchestration in terms of layers and section contrasts to clearly articulate musical form (phrase and large structure)
• plan and execute arrangements clearly, showing your method of working from initial research, through drafts to final version

The module covers many aspects of orchestration technique common to classical music, pop and jazz. These include melodic highlighting, balancing of chords (in a variety of settings), balancing of parts (principal and secondary layers), and the relation of good orchestration to musical form. Introductions are given to most orchestral instruments in terms of basics of range, their technical abilities, how they combine etc. The same is given for instruments in jazz and pop line-ups. Consideration will also be given to orchestration in imitation of particular styles – classical and non-classical. Four assignments are usually set. These will probably consist of – i) a chamber orchestral arrangement of a simple hymn or carol; ii) a transcription of a piece of piano music; iii) a pop, jazz or classical arrangement of existing song materials; iv) a final project of students’ choice, in agreement with the module tutor(s). This will be a substantial arrangement of pre-existing material which involves some level of stylistic transformation. This usually means selecting a song or instrumental piece and arranging in a different style of music (e.g. doing a latin jazz version of ‘God Save the Queen’)

Teaching methods include:

• lecture
• group tutorials

Learning activities include:

• analysis/listening to scores
• reading treatises on orchestration
• preparation of orchestrations, transcription and arrangements in clear stages from initial idea to final score, possibly with the use of computer notation and sequencing packages.

Lectures will provide you with detailed knowledge of the principles of orchestration and instrumental usage, with much focussed listening and examination of scores. These examples will provide models, which you will respond to by imitation and with original invention in the exercises. You will discuss these in tutorial sessions as you work upon them, so building up your knowledge and ability for self-criticism.

Innovative or special features of this module:

• Breadth of musical styles and genres approached

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.