Revised 08/2024

MUS 243 - Advanced Applied Music Composition (2 CR.)

Course Description

Teaches the advanced study of music composition and includes instruction using 20th and 21st century compositional techniques. Studies complex compositional devices including advanced harmony, rhythm, texture, and orchestration. Lecture 2 hours.

General Course Purpose

This course is designed to provide the student with individual instruction in music composition to build upon the 100 level of composition lessons.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

None.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate a mastery of score notation software through preparing compositions in electronic format acceptable for publication

  • Produce scores that demonstrate more complex compositional devices, more advanced harmonic language, more advanced use of rhythm, more thoughtful use and approach to musical texture, and a greater understanding of orchestration

  • Describe orchestration techniques including transposition, instrument ranges, clefs, articulations, and bowings

  • Compare and contrast stylistic traits of 18th , 19th and 20th century musical periods by identifying melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, textural, and formal characteristics

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Music notation software
  • Melodic/motivic development
  • Form
  • Texture/orchestration
  • Rhythm
  • Harmony
  • Score analysis