Module: MUS5202-20 Understanding Music 2A (Analysing Music)

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Matthew Dicken

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.dicken@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

This module develops your music analysis skills through a range of techniques appropriate to specific genres.

The module aims to:

• Explore aural analysis, score analysis and transcription techniques across a range of musicologies including musicology, ecomusicology and ethnomusicology, jazz and performance studies.

• Foster your independent analytical and critical voice in these areas.

2. Outline syllabus

You apply a range of analytical techniques appropriate to the repertoire of any of the ensembles in which you participate, e.g. gamelan, mbira, jazz, orchestra, etc. as well as from a selection of additional repertoire from a variety of musical traditions, which also includes sounds of nature. You explore aspects of listening and perception, developing both aural and notated analytical skills. Tutors encourage you to express a personal view of the music you study in terms of graphically notated analyses and their justification. The essay enables you to develop evaluative skills through the comparison of different analytical approaches to a particular piece of music.

3. Teaching and learning activities

A series of lectures equip you with analytical skills to explore in different repertoires and traditions. The seminars enable you to test out ways of applying the aural, notation and transcription techniques you acquire. Individual and/or group tutorials support your selection of three different techniques, along with work on your project with tutor and peer support. A comparison of different analytical techniques involves at least one technique not included in your analysis portfolio.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Analysis portfolio

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Coursework

• Description: Portfolio Essays (2500 words)

• % Weighting: 50%