Module: MUS4015-20 Creative Sandbox

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Matthew Sergeant

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.sergeant@bathspa.ac.yuk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This is an opportunity to experiment with the music that interests you – a ‘sandbox’ – and to forge a distinctive creative identity as an artist. You can engage with the module however you musically identify (as a composer, composer-performer, or songwriter, for example) and you will produce a creative portfolio of new work. The module will develop and advance your imaginative and conceptual scope, including creative strategies to help upset and invigorate your practice. The module will additionally provide you with the technical skills needed to help you realise and present your ideas professionally. To demonstrate your skills, you might produce a composition, a ‘live set’, a short EP, or something else, providing it involves original musical material

2. Outline syllabus:

You will be introduced to creative strategies that stimulate the emergence of ideas, including working with found materials, responding to extra-musical stimuli, and generating musical material. The musical concepts resources explored will include topics pertaining to musical materials, such as melody, harmony, time and rhythm, and others. You will also be introduced to means of manipulating these materials through such techniques as cycles, permutations, fragments, superimposition, and juxtaposition. You will demonstrate these skills through a portfolio of original and professionally-documented creative works, responding to set briefs.

3. Teaching and learning activities:

Classes will be delivered via guided practical workshops in which you will be introduced to new conceptual and technical ideas through interactive performance, games, and play. Such sessions will be supported by supervised development sessions, in which you will be able to develop, discuss, and try out your own ideas prior to formal submission for assessment.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio of Original Music

• % Weighting: 100%