Details for Composition and Songwriting

To create is to be human. This subject equips students with an understanding of compositional techniques so they can create their own original music. First, the building blocks of music are explained and explored, including pitch, rhythm, tone colour, texture, and structure. Then these individual elements are combined and manipulated to express musical ideas in a variety of genres.

Quick Info

Currently offered by Alphacrucis: Yes
Course code: MUS340
Credit points: 10
Subject coordinator: Daniel Thornton

Awards offering Composition and Songwriting

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

Unit Content

Outcomes

Explain musical pieces in terms of their musical elements;
Generate musical ideas;
Select appropriate harmonic and melodic structures;
Compose musical works;
Rearrange musical elements to maximise the intent and impact of the composition.

Subject Content

Musical elements
- Duration
- Pitch
- Tone Colour
- Dynamics & Expressive Techniques
Texture
Analysing musical compositions
Generating musical ideas
Writing lyrics
Popular music harmonic conventions
Musical structures
Arranging techniques

This course may be offered in the following formats

Face to Face (onsite)
Distance/E-learning (online)
Intensive (One week: 7 hours per day for 5 days = 35 class hours + approx 85 hours out of class time for research, writing, exam preparation and execution, ancillary activities associated with completion of assigned tasks)

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

Journal Entries (10%)
Minor Essay (25%)
Music Compositions (50%)
Composition Revisions (15%)

Prescribed Text

Primary readings provided