Examinations, Courses and Awards

Course SummaryThis module is intended to allow those with experience of composition to plan their own portfolio, to work more independently, and to extend their skills and the scope of their compositions.

Learning OutcomesBy the end of the module you will have compiled a varied portfolio of liturgical compositions for voices, and/or instruments and voices, suitable for use in worship.

Requirements for the selection and approval of the contents of the portfolio The portfolio should include at least two and not more than four compositions. The length of the portfolio in performance should be between 15 and 20 minutes. One of the compositions should last 7-10 minutes in performance. Each composition should be written for different resources and with a different purpose. The portfolio as a whole should demonstrate variety and range of skills in composition.

Specific tasks are identified below. You may select from these tasks, or propose an alternative (or alternatives) of your own. You must draw up a list of the proposed content of the portfolio, including details of proposed scoring, duration, texts (where relevant), and purpose/place in worship. The proposal must be submitted to the Course Secretary for approval before the period of study begins (by 31 December or 30 June as appropriate).

If you are taking Module E1 or E3 as well as Module E2 there must be no overlap of materials between the two submissions, nor with work submitted in Part One.

TasksYou may select from these tasks, or propose some or all of your own (see above):

• a short setting of the Ordinary of the Mass/Eucharist;
• a setting of Gloria in excelsis in English or Latin;
• a setting of Te deum laudamus or Benedicite or Magnificat in English or Latin;
• a setting of paired canticles for Morning or Evening Prayer;
• a work to open a festival service;
• a composition based on a plainsong or other pre-existent sacred melody;
• a responsorial psalm or canticle;
• a composition for use during intercessions or communion.

You are free to suggest the texts and the scoring of these compositions, bearing in mind that the quality and scope of the work should follow on from module C1 and/or C2 in Part One.

Assessment and satisfactory completionThe portfolio of compositions should be submitted in notated score. With each composition you should also submit 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.

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.