Individually scheduled 1/2 hour lessons
Professor:
Dr. Scott L. Miller (PAC 222; 308-3291; slmiller@stcloudstate.edu)
Credit
Hours: 1 cr.
Attendance:
Mandatory
Office hours
TEXT AND MATERIALS
Recommended texts: Music Notation in
the 20th Century, by Kurt Stone. Students must provide appropriate
manuscript paper, writing tools, straight edges, etc.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The student will learn
about the compositional process as it pertains to larger forms and genres of
music. This is achieved through the examination of extant works, by discussing
student progress and work in private lessons, and by writing as much music as
often as possible.
ASSESSMENT
Composition assignments
will be determined in consultation with the instructor on an individual basis.
There may also be assigned readings and listenings. NO late
assignments will be accepted.
Each student's primary
assignment for the semester will be to compose an entire work or performable
portion of a work (such as a movement). This work must be in professional
manuscript form by the last day of classes. The score must be prepared using
notation software. Rehearsal schedule for the primary assignment must be
established by a date agreed upon during the first two lessons. Each work will
be performed on the Electroacoustic Arts Ensemble
concert TBA,
Gant Recital Hall) or as part of another suitable recital or concert.
Student compositions will be written for instrumentation
approved on an individual basis by the instructor.
There will occasionally be guest composers in town, and
attendance at events they are involved in is mandatory.
Students pursuing the Bachelor
of Arts in Music with an emphasis in Theory/Composition or in New Media will take
a minimum of 2 semesters of MUSM 401
Advanced Composition. The student will continue developing skills acquired
in MUSM 301 to a more advanced level
and:
· Demonstrate an intellectual
curiosity about contemporary composition practices;
· Compose additional works that
demonstrate exploration of a diversity of compositional methodologies and
organizational principals;
· Compose additional works that
demonstrate artistic growth and development of the craft;
· Demonstrate an ability to articulate
conceptual ideas regarding his/her compositions.
During the advising and
registration period of the second semester of MUSM 401 study, the student will complete a formal interview with
the composition faculty before receiving permission to register for MUSP 396 (Junior Recital) for the
following semester. The Junior
Recital must include a minimum of 20 minutes of original music and will be
organized primarily by the student.
The student’s portfolio should include (but isn’t limited to):
· At least one solo instrumental work
(unaccompanied or accompanied)
· At least one chamber work (3 or more
instruments/voices)
· At least one electroacoustic
or multimedia work
· At least one work involving solo
multi-percussion or multiple percussionists
The student will be advised to take an additional semester of MUSM 401 if the above portfolio requirements have not been met, or if the composition faculty feels
the student has not yet achieved an advanced level of work.
COURSE GRADE
Your grade will be
calculated based on the timely and competent completion of the weekly
assignments (25%), general class participation including rehearsing and
successfully presenting your primary composition (25%), and completion of the
primary composition assignment [including preparation of the score and parts in
acceptable manuscript format] (50%).
ABSENCE
Information is addressed in
private lessons that is not available outside of
class. Lesson absenses will be taken into
consideration when assessing the general class contribution component of the
course grade.
INCOMPLETES
Incompletes are
awarded only when a calamity or major illness prevents you from completing the
term's work on time, and will be awarded only if you have a reasonable prospect
for passing the course (based on your record at the time you request an Inc.).
If you receive an Incomplete, you must prepare on your own any missed
assignments or quizzes, and MUST FULFILL THE INCOMPLETE THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER.
If you do not fulfill the Incomplete within one quarter, you will automatically
receive an F grade for the course. None of the scores you earned prior to the
Incomplete will be erased, and will count towards your fulfillment of the
Incomplete.