Examinations, Courses and Awards

Course SummaryThis module is intended to develop your creative musical writing, advancing technical skills, increasing awareness of contemporary music, developing powers of analysis and self-criticism, and encouraging originality. The work undertaken is directed primarily to the composition of music to be sung and/or played in Christian worship, and you are encouraged to compose some of the music for your own liturgical situation.

You must be willing to explore new styles and textures: only in this way can you sharpen your own individual techniques.

Learning OutcomesAt the end of the module you should be able to demonstrate:

• competence in laying out a clear score and parts;
• competence in writing for both voices and instruments;
• grasp of texture, ranges and balance;
• stylistic and formal coherence;
• awareness of the practicalities of writing for amateur musicians and the unskilled;
• awareness of idioms appropriate to Christian worship.

Issues for study As a means of developing your compositional skills you are expected to explore works by other composers, considering the ways in which they approach and use

•            formal procedures and structure
•            musical ideas and use of material
•            use of resources
•             use and treatment of accompaniment
•             texture and balance
•            considerations for performers
•             presentation of score

You need to be clear about the conventions for the presentation of scores, and may follow the style guide prepared by the Guild. In vocal music The Oxford Spelling Dictionary can be helpful in guiding you over the division of words.

You need to be clear of ranges of voices and instruments and capabilities of singers and players of varying abilities.

You should become aware of issues of copyright and performance rights.

StudyAlthough you may choose (or be directed by a supervisor in) your own pattern of study it must include those issues listed above, and you are advised to take account of the recommended items listed in the diploma course bibliography. Additionally the Guild offers a brief guide to study of the module with recommended reading, score study and listening based on the course bibliography, and suggestions of specific issues to be considered and exercises to be undertaken.

In preparing your scores for submission you are advised to consult the guidance for presentation in the general study notes.

Assessment and satisfactory completionYou are required to submit original compositions chosen from three of the following:

• one movement of the Ordinary of the Mass/Eucharist (i.e. Kyrie, Gloria, Sanctus, Agnus dei);
•             a setting of a canticle or psalm (prose texts only);
•             a sacred text (prose or verse) set as a through-composed song or anthem;
•             a strophic hymn or sacred song  - either a single harmonized verse or an extended setting with variations of scoring and treatment of the melody;
•             a work for instrument(s) suitable for use in worship (e.g. entrance, communion).

The scoring of the works with text should be for

•             unaccompanied SATB choir
•             accompanied SATB choir
•             solo voice and accompaniment
•             two-part choir and accompaniment
•             high or low voices (SSA or TBB)  and accompaniment
•             congregation and accompaniment
•             cantor, congregation and accompaniment

The accompaniments and the instrumental works should be scored for organ, or acoustic piano, or electric keyboard, or ensemble of 4-8 instruments (with or without keyboard).

You should use different resources in each work. The submitted works should include one work for capable singers and/or players, and one work involving unskilled participants. One of the works should last at least 5 minutes in performance. The portfolio as a whole should consist of music lasting 10-15 minutes in performance.

All three compositions should be submitted in notated score. Each composition should be accompanied by a short commentary of 150-400 words outlining the purpose and methods of the composition, and evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. At least one of the pieces should also be submitted in a recorded performance on cassette tape.

Assessment will be based on the portfolio of compositions, but you will be expected to supply additional evidence in order to complete the module satisfactorily. You should complete the report form listing the works of other composers you have studied and other exercises or pieces you have completed yourself as part of the course (these should not be submitted but may be requested for inspection by the examiners), and answer the questionnaire about copyright and performing rights. The report and questionnaire will not be graded but you must have completed them satisfactorily to complete the module.

If you are taking more than one module in Group C you need only complete the questionnaire on copyright and performing rights once.

All materials for assessment and establishment of satisfactory completion should be forwarded to the Course Secretary and postmarked not later than 31 January or 30 June in the appropriate study period.