Course description
The relationship between music and technology is continually developing and central to the latest developments in digital technology is the computer. Our technological facilities have recently been updated with £80K spend on the very latest computer hardware as well as new digital mixing, recording, sampling equipment, sound cards and software. A new sound-proofed acoustic shell offers enhanced digital recording and monitoring facilities. These outstanding facilities make us an ideal choice for the development of your musical and technological potential.
The MSc Music Composition for Media degree allows you to explore your individual creative ideas, working with technology, engaging with important ideas and developing your own compositional language. Refinement of compositional techniques and methods of construction are fostered, and your abilities in criticism, analysis and self-appraisal are nurtured. You will develop an understanding of the current eclectic environment of contemporary music, and how it relates to your own work. This MSc will investigate the technical and musical parameters of media integration at an advanced level, whether you choose to work in the area of film, video, kinetic art, or multimedia installation.
With the MSc Music Composition and Technology, you will explore your own personal, musical language at an advanced level, utilising technology relevant to your working methods and aesthetic aims.
There are two modules common to both programmes:
Perspectives of Composition. This discusses recent music, interests, aesthetics and analysis, creating a forum for the exploration of current ideas and trends, where independent thought and perceptive criticism is encouraged. You will input your own ideas and interests into this forum and complete a written assignment on a topic of your own choosing.
Composition Research Methods. This introduces you to the conventions of academic work at postgraduate level, covering seminar techniques, standards for written work and research skills. Advanced technical skills will also be covered, such as instrumentation, orchestration, and the use of relevant music software/hardware.
There are three specialist modules for each programme:
Three works for the MSc Music Composition and Technology which allow you to explore and develop your own musical identity through a series of original compositions. You will be encouraged to explore and evaluate relevant models and to produce compositions which are satisfying in terms of structure and design and your own creative interests.
The three specialist modules for the MSc Music Composition for Media lead to work which integrates composition with another media format (for example film, video, kinetic art, multimedia installation). You will develop advanced technical skills and create compositions which are satisfying in terms of structure and materials, interaction and integration, dynamic and design.
Work placement
Placements are a valuable means of establishing industrial contacts and gaining an insight into the commercial reality of a chosen discipline. We have a long history of students working with industry supplementing the taught university curriculum with real life on the job experience.
This has seen students working right across the creative industries sector: in graphic, product and interior design consultancies, working as artist in residence in galleries, producing props and sets for the film & TV industry, shadowing teachers in education, working with commercial photographers through to students working right across the Music industry.
We expect students interested in obtaining a work placement; to be proactive, to self-initiate this interest and to communicate and work with programme staff in their identification of companies and organisations that are able to provide the appropriate range of experiences and opportunities.
We value the opportunity and benefits of the placement experience highly and as such, we encourage all students to consider obtaining a placement as part of their course. However, we recognise that this may not be a viable option for a number of reasons. In addition, we are not able to guarantee that all students will undertake a work placement as part of their studies.
Teaching methods
Intellectual skills are developed throughout the programme.
Analysis, creative evaluation and problem solving are further developed through tutorial work, supervised project or workstation sessions and in-course exercises.
The student is encouraged further to develop intellectual skills by independent study.
The student has time to consolidate the development of the individual music ability by independent practice, guided and advised when necessary by the tutor.
Course content
Year 1 - full details
Core modules
-Composition Research Methods: Skills and Techniques
-Composition for Media 1
-Composition for Media 2
-Composition for Media 3: Project
-Perspectives of Composition
