MUSC 113 Learning to Compose

Composing, improvising, listening, and performing all embody aspects of music-making. This course examines compositional methods of contemporary composers. We will focus on hands-on composing in a broad range of styles. Additionally, students will learn about all of the instruments of the orchestra (range, characteristics, timbre, etc.). In-class listening will supplement bi-weekly listening assignments covering orchestral music from the Baroque to the present. Students will learn to develop musical ideas through notational methods that can effectively be realized by performers. The only prerequisite is being able to read music notation in both treble and bass clefs. Basic music theory will be taught in class in order to learn about transposing instruments, and how to read music in different clefs, such as alto and tenor clefs.