ITHACA COLLEGE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
FALL 2004
Introduction to Composition (551-46400)
Time: 1:10 – 2:00 p.m. T, R
Office Hours: Rm 2301, 12:00-1:00 T or by appt.
Office Phone: 274-7310
Course Description: We will examine a wide range of notational approaches, rhythmic structures, pitch systems, generative processes, and experiences of time in music. Narrative concepts, such as motivic development and melody writing, will be covered along with non-narrative areas such as vertical layering. Concentrating on music of the 20th and 21st centuries, we will explore a vast field of divergent ideologies relating to the “score”. All concepts to be explored will be applied through regular in-class performances, which will be recorded and discussed.
Prerequisites: A working knowledge of music notation and performance ability in some vocal or instrumental area and permission of the instructor. 2 credits.
Grading: Grading will be based on attendance (10%), class participation (10%), weekly assignments (50%) and a final project (30%). Assignments and the final project will be graded on content and written presentation, but not performance.
Required Materials: Staff paper, pencil, notepad, folder/binder for handouts. (It is recommended to use two forms of staff paper: a spiral-bound sketchpad and unbound paper for completed assignments and final project.)
Thursday, August 26: How is music defined? What is its opposite? What “should” music be? How do we use music? Addressing our experience of environmental sounds.
Tuesday, August 31: Text, diagrams to instigate improvisation
Thursday, September 2:(* = in-class performance and discussion)
*Assignment 1 due: Score in verbal notation
Tuesday, September 7: Graphic notation and texture
Thursday, September 9: *Assignment 2 due: Score in graphic notation
Tuesday, September 14: Introduction to topics in rhythm— layering sounds for percussion. Beat vs. pulse, stratified/interactive layers, depth and perspective, space; found sounds
Thursday, September 16: Balancing rhythmic variety and continuity
*Assignment 3 due: 3-layered percussion loop (including found sound)
Tuesday, September 21: *Assignment 4 due: rhythmic variations on layered loop
Thursday, September 23: Syncopation, hemiola, crossrhythms, duple/triple/mixed meter and accent patterns
Tuesday, September 28: Stages of compositional planning— energy template, rhythmic template, harmonic plans, etc.
Assignment 5 due: exercises in polyrhythm, diverse meters
Thursday, September 30: Introduction to melodic topics: intervals— functionality and affect; scales; determining melodic scope; basic phrase structure
Tuesday, October 5: *Assignment 6 due: adding a bass line to 2 layers of percussion
Thursday, October 7: Minimalist techniques— additive/subtractive processes; phasing
Tuesday, October 12: *Assignment 7 due: multi-layered pattern piece: fragmentation/extension of a 2 to 4-bar sample, over additive bass line and drum ostinato
Tuesday, October 19: Writing for flute; melodic arc; working with cells
Thursday, October 21: Basic motivic techniques: augmentation/diminuition, transposition, inversion, altering intervals while retaining shape, etc.
Assignment 8 due: 3 invented scales, 3 melodic sentences (in free rhythm)
Tuesday, October 26: *Assignment 9 due: 1-minute piece for flute (using proportional rhythm with time brackets)
Thursday, October 28: Writing for voice; melody over drone/harmonic pedal
Assignment 10 due: essay in response to reading: “The Time of Music” by Jonathan Kramer— relate to listening experiences in class
Tuesday, November 2: Advanced uses of pitch centers and harmonic pedals in instrumental repertoire of the 20th century
*Assignment 11 due: vocal melody over drone
Thursday, November 4: Topics in non-tonal harmony; harmonic cycles; isorhythm
Tuesday, November 9: Writing for strings I; layering and temporal multiplicity
Assignment 12 due: isorhythmic chordal cycle for piano
Thursday, November 11: Writing for strings II
*Assignment 13 due: violin line over piano isorhythm
Tuesday, November 16: Harmonic fields; symmetrical pitch structures; interpenetration of vertical and horizontal dimensions
Thursday, November 18: Individual meetings
Assignment 14 due: 8 to 12 chords in a harmonic field (playable by string trio, with final project in mind)
—Thanksgiving Break—
Tuesday, November 30: Approaches to texture; relationships between instrumental and vocal writing
Thursday, December 2: Preparing a final score; parts
*Assignment 15 due: completed vocal line (for final project)
Tuesday, December 7: Individual meetings
Thursday, December 9: Discussion of pieces
Final Project(Due last class 12/9): Piece for Voice and String Trio
***readings of final projects to take place during Finals Week
(time/location TBA)***
Note: Students are responsible for organizing rehearsals when needed.