Module: CMU4001-20 Composing with Technology

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: James Dickinson

Module Tutor Contact Details: J.Dickinson@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module is a practical module, which provides you with a range of technical and compositional skills relating to the creation of original music using a digital audio workstation. At the core of this module is the notion that technology can be an integral part of the creative process leading to new approaches to the generation and articulation of musical materials. This module explores the balance between systemised and intuitive approaches to composition, revealing the role technology can play in ‘disturbing’ traditional approaches to arrangement and composition in all genres of commercial music.

2.Outline syllabus

Compositional methods using technology

Midi programming (step and real time)

Audio editing

Sound design (sampling and synthesis)

Manipulating pitch and time

Dynamic Processing

Understanding tonality

Creative processing

Mixing skills

Programming in styles

3.Teaching and learning activities

Weekly group lectures (in Mac suite)

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Three audio tracks (min 3 mins each)

• % Weighting: 70%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Written commentary (1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30%