Listening through Analysis MUSIC1021

  • Academic Session: 2024-25
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 1 (SCQF level 7)
  • Typically Offered: Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No

Short Description

This course aims at introducing students to a variety of approaches to musical analysis suitable for different repertoires. It also encourages reflection on the value and methods of analysis.

Timetable

Lectures over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus:

 

Monday at 1pm and Wednesday at 9am

Or

Monday at 1pm and Friday at 3pm

Or

Tuesday at 12 noon and Wednesday at 9am

Or

Tuesday at 12 noon and Friday at 3pm

 

One hour seminar (choice of times) over 10 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

Requirements of Entry

Students should be fluent in music theory to a level of Grade 5 ABRSM. Although this is not a formal pre-requisite this course assumes a basic competence in general music, i.e. some experience of performing (either on an instrument, through playing in a band or orchestra, or through singing in a choir or through some similar musical activity), a capacity to read musical notation, and a knowledge of elementary theoretical concepts (intervals, metres, etc).

Excluded Courses

MUSIC1003, MUSIC1017, MUSIC1018, MUSIC1019

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

A short answer assignment to set exercise (1500 words) - 40%

An analytical exercise of equivalent scope to an (2,500 words) essay - 60%; comprising of either:

an analysis and commentary of a musical work or

an critical commentary of one or several published musical analyses 

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course will provide the opportunity to:

• Develop skills in listening and analysis through study of a repertory of set works in different styles and genres.

• Acquire and refine the skills necessary to write effectively about music.

• Develop and deploy appropriate technical vocabulary for the close analysis of set works.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

• Analysis discriminating analyses of musical structures drawing on a range of aural, oral, notational, and writing skills. 

• Apply technical musical terminology in the course of formulating an accurate and clear written argument.

• Identify key motivations and assumptions of musical analysis as they relate to the experience and enjoyment of listening.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.