Music

Arranging for Songs and Ensembles

Module code: W3076
Level 4
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Lecture, Workshop
Assessment modes: Coursework

On this module, you’ll:

• increase your knowledge of scoring and arranging techniques
• increase your knowledge and understanding of music by studying a wide range of music relevant to contemporary creative musicians
• apply what you have learnt through reports and practical exercises.

You’ll explore arrangement and instrumentation across different musical genres. By studying a range of music, you’ll learn about the techniques used and how they relate to the historical and social context of each style. You’ll also gain real skills in music’s practice and craft.

You’ll compare genres such as popular, classical, jazz, electronic and experimental music to find links between them, and study music and practice from the past 1000 years, as well as more recent work. Through practical exercises, you’ll use instrumentation and voicing creatively to explore what makes music original today.

You’ll develop real-world skills that you can use in many scenarios, from film scoring and concert music, to writing for bands and composing electronic music.

Pre-requisite

If not a music student, grade 7 level instrument or voice must be demonstrated.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of structure and orchestration in songs and music for ensembles
• Demonstrate competence in scoring and arranging techniques in songs and music for ensembles
• Show knowledge and understanding of instrumental and vocal part-writing through an original arrangement of an existing work
• Demonstrate an understanding of music notation by confidently using relevant music software to create a musical score.