Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2022-2023 (archived)

Module MUSI3762: Techniques Portfolio (double)

Department: Music

MUSI3762: Techniques Portfolio (double)

Type Open Level 3 Credits 40 Availability Available in 2022/23 Module Cap None. Location Durham
Tied to W300
Tied to LA01
Tied to W302
Tied to LA02

Prerequisites

  • MUSI2601 Advanced Musical Techniques

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • MUSI3751 Portfolio of Techniques (single).

Aims

  • To provide an opportunity for students to express their creativity at advanced level through the production of a portfolio of pastiche compositions using a variety of techniques and styles from the 16th, 17th, 18th or19th centuries, or broadly 'tonal'styles from the early decades of the 20th century.

Content

  • Guidance will be given in tutorials on the composition of larger-scale works, including, but not limited to, passacaglia, fugue, chorale prelude, variations, sonata form movements, partsong, concert overture and orchestral character piece.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Students will become familiar with a range of compositional techniques that are available for the creation of music, and be able to demonstrate how these may be used imaginatively and effectively.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will acquire the skills necessary to compose with maturity, authority and originality, building on the aesthetic considerations and techniques they have encountered at Levels 1 and 2. A greater ambition is to be encouraged regarding the size and scope of composition at Level 3.
Key Skills:
  • Compositional techniques used in an appropriate way to articulate each student's musical ideas and to demonstrate an identification with various established styles.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The module will be delivered through individual tutorials through which students will be assisted in the preparation of a portfolio of pastiche compositions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Tutorials 12 Spread out through the year, mainly in Terms 1 and 2 1 hour 30 minutes 15.60
Reading, listening and preparation 384.40
TOTAL 400

Summative Assessment

Component: Portfolio of Compositions Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Portfolio of Compositions lasting between 18 and 20 minutes in all (exclusing exactly repeated sections such as sonata expositions), with an accompanying 1,500 word commentary 18-20 minutes with an accompanying 1,500 word commentary 100% no

Formative Assessment:

Small technical exercises set at tutorials.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University