Class Composition (211-0-1)

Instructors

Carlos Angel Zarate

Meeting Info

RCMA Lower Level 113: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

This course is designed as an introduction to music composition and is intended for students of any musical background. Previous music theory knowledge is not required, but a certain level of involvement with music is expected and necessary to succeed. This can include experience playing an instrument, writing songs, improvising, producing electronic music on a laptop, notating music for others to perform, or having musical ideas that you can imagine or sing but do not yet know how to materialize. Through a series of readings, listening assignments, and exercises drawn from both the so-called western classical music tradition and popular music, we will reflect on and question what it means to "compose" music. Students will be evaluated through a series of listening/reading responses, composition assignments, and a final project.

Evaluation Method

Students will be evaluated through a series of listening/reading responses, composition assignments, and a final project. Composition exercises will be evaluated in one of two ways:

1. as a PDF file and an audio file of the MIDI rendition if the student completes the exercise using music notation software, or
2. as an audio file if the student composes the exercise in a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) or records themselves performing their composition on an instrument.

Class Materials (Required)

A computer capable of running a DAW or music notation software is required. There is no textbook for this course; all readings will be provided as PDF files.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: REASON: Pre-registration is not allowed for this class. Please try again during regular registration.