Composition Class

Course Details

Course Number: MUSC3643  Spring 2011

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: C117A

Days & Times:

TTh 12:30-1:50

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David H. Johnson   
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Course Objectives

The goal of this class is to provide instruction in the fundamentals of music composition.  We will study different components of composition, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, texture, and form.  In addition to composing, students will become more familiar with important musical works of contrasting styles from the last four centuries, with emphasis on 20th century music.

 

            Most class sessions the instructor will provide feedback on students’ work-in-progress.  This is typically an analysis and discussion of musical and notational choices.  The overall objective is for students to produce an ideal representation of their work.  Final drafts may be done by hand, or using computer notation.  I recommend Sibelius software.


Course Expectations

Grading Standards

Grading:  There are 100 points total:

 

90-100 A         80-89 B           70-79 C           60-69 D           under 60 F

 

Theme and Variations Piece—35 points (points awarded for final draft and while in-progress)

Song Set—35 points (points awarded for final draft and while in-progress)

In-class Performances—10 points (2 in-class performances, 5 points each)

Listening Quizzes—20 points (2 quizzes, 10 points each)


Submission Format Policy


Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late work not accepted.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

None.


Other Policies

Semester schedule

Week 1—Go over syllabus, discuss semester projects

            Detailed discussion of Beethoven’s “Diabelli” variations

 

Week 2—begin theme and variations piece (5 points)

            Either select a theme by another composer, or compose your own.

 

Week 3—continue theme and variations piece, short in-class presentations (5 points)

Week 4—continue theme and variations piece, short in-class presentations (5 points)

Week 5—continue theme and variations piece, bring work-in-progress (5 points)

Week 6—an additional week of feedback, if needed

 

Week 7--final draft of theme and variations due March 3 (10 points),

            Compose a 3-4 minute piece for piano and solo wind/brass/string instrument using theme and variations form.  You may use an existing or original theme.

 

Week 8—listening quiz #1 on March 8 (10 points), and in-class performance of theme and

            Variations on March 10, followed by discussion (5 points)  Bring extra copies

 

Week 9—Discussion of songs.  Select text.  Detailed discussion of specific songs by Schubert,

            Ives, Johnson

Week 10—begin songs, bring work-in-progress  (5 points)

Week 11—continue songs, short in-class presentations  (5 points)

Week 12—continue songs, short in-class presentations (5 points)

Week 13—an additional week of feedback, if needed (5 points)

 

Week 14--final draft of short pieces due May 3 (10 points)

            Compose two contrasting songs for solo voice and piano, a total of 3-4 minutes in length.

            listening quiz #2 on May 5 (10 points)

 

In-class performance of songs on Thursday, May 12, at 10:30pm (5 points)


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.