Postgraduate Course: Principles of Composition for Screen (MUSI11058)
Course Outline
| School | Edinburgh College of Art |
College | College of Humanities and Social Science |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course will provide techniques and experience necessary for projects related to film/TV and media music through group lectures and individual tutorials. Group lectures will focus on analysis and deeper investigation into the technique of composers and of particular problems in composition for screen. All musical styles are endorsed and cultivated, especially those that include both electronic and acoustic styles simultaneously. Students with experience in sound design are also encouraged. |
| Course description |
Aims of the Course
This supervised course in composition for the screen further develops your portfolio of compositions in areas of composition and/or sound design technique. It aims:
To improve your experience in composition for standard and unusual instrumentations, including the use of electronics
To encourage experimentation of form and style in preparation for the demands of compositional work for screen
To help you to learn to work together to refine your techniques for composing to screen while working in both collaborative and independent environments.
The lectures will be based around techniques and theory used in composing for screen genres. Students will investigate composers and their techniques from the origin of film music (roughly 1900) through the current age. Composers looked at will include, but not exclusively:
Max Steiner
Bernard Herrmann
Henry Mancini
Dmitri Shostakovich
Hanns Eisler
John Williams
Jeff Beal
Jeff Rona
Etc.
The tutorials support individual creative activity in music composition in composition for screen projects. They will be guided by individual aesthetic choices, as well as project based concerns. Key components addressed include:
1. creative vision
2. appropriateness, technique and association with screen content
3. production quality, professional organisation and process related to the realisation of creative vision in a project
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | Experience with computer music and composition, including DAW software and related, notation for instruments experience, elementary knowledge of screen music genre and history |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2017/18, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 11,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 3,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
182 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
2-3 projects presented as bounced audio to film and composed during the semester, with at least one of the submissions in collaboration with another ECA student (through a film/animation project or otherwise) and the other project(s) either internally (within ECA) or externally produced.
The works should demonstrate a full exploration of your creative horizons as well as clear competence in relevant technical areas.
You must submit two copies of each portfolio, individually bound and/or in a closed document wallet. Any digital media should be submitted in H.264 video format and/or uncompressed WAV/AIFF audio format within a clearly labeled USB stick or comparable medium, and should have an organized and clear file structure. A cover page should be included which (briefly) explains the submissions included. DVDs or Audio CDs will not be accepted.
As this course includes individual tutorials, you will receive formative feedback throughout the course.
Portfolio of compositions for screen 100%
1. Development of new skills in composition for screen, including production and managing sophisticated musical projects. 33.333%
2. Engagement with new techniques and compositional aesthetics associated with media composition. 33.333%
3. Improvement in collaborative skills when working on a film project with others, while producing a work of high quality. 33.333% |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Develop new skills in composition for screen, including production and managing sophisticated musical projects.
- Engage with new techniques and compositional aesthetics associated with media composition.
- Improve collaborative skills when working on a film project with others, while producing a work of high quality.
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Reading List
Rona, Jeff. 2009. The Reel World. Hal Leonard Books.
Prendergast, Roy M. 1992. Film Music: A Neglected Art. Norton, New York.
Eisler, Hanns and Adorno, Theodor. 2007. Composing for the Films. Continuum, London.
Thomas, Tony. 1997
Music for the Movies
Silman-James Press
Wright, Karlin.
On the Track
Routlage
Chion, Michel. 2009
Film, A Sound Art
Columbia Univerisity Press
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Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Historical and technical knowledge of Screen Music
Creative problem solving
Notation, compositional and production awareness
Communication and collaboration when working in a team
Organisational skills in dealing with multiple musical mediums
Ability to see a project through |
| Keywords | MUSIC,Composition for Screen |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mr Yati Durant
Tel: (0131 6)50 2427
Email: |
Course secretary | Mrs Lyndsay Hagon
Tel: (0131 6)51 5735
Email: |
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