Central Methodist University Department of Music
MU471, Composition I
3 credits
Fall 2020
Meeting Time and Location:
Mon/Wed 3p-3:50p, Swinney Conservatory 112
Dr. David Witter
Classic Hall 202-C
660-651-9964, dwitter@centralmethodist.edu, office hours by appointment
Mission
Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
Description
This course introduces students to the craft of composition by listening to recordings, studying scores, and discussing ideas about music. Students will apply ideas discussed in class by writing several composition projects that will be examined in class. Students will work in close consultation with the professor in the preparation of their projects.
Purposes
- To expand the the students’ exposure to contemporary music and composition techniques
- To have the student apply these techniques in their own compositional voice
Outcomes
The successful student will:
- Identify a survey of contemporary composition techniques and their histories
- Retain this knowledge to inform future compositional and musical interpretive activities
Assessment activities (student mastery of outcomes will be demonstrated through the following activities)
- Complete regular composition exercises
- Analyze excerpts of real pieces
- Participate in class discussion
Proposed Texts
Various musical scores
Course Grades
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79%= C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
Facemask Policy
Wearing a face mask is about protecting others, our Central Methodist Community and the communities we work in. The primary purpose of wearing a face mask is to reduce the probability of virus spreading from the wearer (who may not know they are spreading the virus) into the environment and to others. The secondary purpose of the face covering is to reduce the likelihood that large droplets containing virus that are spread by others may enter the nose and mouth of the wearer. The use of a face mask does not replace the continued need to maintain physical distances from others, at least 6 feet, but instead augments physical distancing and helps us further reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
A face mask is a cloth, bandana, or other type of material that covers an individual’s mouth and nose. The CDC lists five criteria for “cloth face coverings,” which should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be cleaned or laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.
The complete CMU Face Mask Policy is available at:
https://www.centralmethodist.edu/about/offices/human-resources/_docs/FaceCoveringPolicy.pdf
Absence Policy
Attendance may not be tied to grades in any way in Fall 2020. If there are extenuating circumstances that require your absence, please contact me and your band leader within 24 hours of any rehearsal or performance you are expected to be at. Please keep in mind that both that your bandmates are depending on you, but that we also all expect that you pay attention to your own health and your role in keeping your neighbors healthy as well.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough, unusual tiredness, gastro-intestinal distress, change in sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing symptoms, please attend class on Zoom. For a more thorough list of symptoms visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
Class Cancellation
In the event of a Church or rehearsal cancellation, I will notify you via email within 24 hours of the event.
Non-discrimination Policy
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability. This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.
The procedures, described in the university’s catalog, are intended to guide and assist faculty, staff, and students in complying with this policy and in determining reasonable accommodations to be made for the federally defined disability claimed. All materials and information regarding disabilities will be governed by the University’s normal policies regarding privacy.
Students Requiring Special Accommodations
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability/state defined handicap ("disability"). This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements. The Center for Learning & Teaching at Central Methodist University is committed to ensuring nondiscrimination and equal access to all programs, service, and activities for qualified students with a disability. It is the responsibility of any student who wishes to claim a disability and seek an accommodation to file official documentation confirming the disability and a completed Disability Services Student Information Form with the Center of Learning and Teaching prior to seeking any accommodation based on the disability.
Grievance Policy
Central Methodist University has established a grievance policy and process designed to provide students and others with a process to resolve potential issues. This policy and process is established to provide persons with an avenue to file a written concern and to establish a process to track and implement changes as a result of said concern. For more detailed information, consult the CLAS catalog at: https://clas-catalog.centralmethodist.edu/info/University%20Policies.html#info13-grievance
If an issue cannot be solved through consultation with the faculty or division chair, students can report an incident/issue within 30 days of the event via the online web form https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralMethodistUniv&layout_id=3
Health and Safety for Musicians
Musicians face a number of health and safety issues, particularly in applied lessons and ensembles. Hearing concerns, vocal health, and muscle injuries are a concern for faculty and students. Awareness and education are key to preventing harmful habits or injuries.
In addition to the information shared with you in lessons and rehearsals, there is material available to you regarding best practices for maintaining hearing, vocal, and muscular health. Helpful information is posted on the Fine Arts section of the CMU webpage.
http://www.centralmethodist.edu/student-life/services-and-resources/music-resources.php
Academic Conduct Policy
Your projects must represent your work and your ideas. Ideas incorporated into your work that are not your own must be properly documented.
Students are expected to follow the CMU Academic Conduct Policy as outlined on the CMU website. Any evidence of academic misconduct may have any or all of the following consequences:
- Grade of zero on the individual assignment.
- Grade of F in the class.
- Dismissal from the class.
- A notation of academic misconduct on your transcript.
The Dean of the University may take additional action, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.
Academic Property
All work (original or copy) submitted by the student to satisfy the requirements of the course may be retained at the discretion of the instructor for non-profit and educational purposes. Such work is generally used for assessing the course and providing evidence of student accomplishment for review by accrediting agencies. Any student wishing to prohibit such use of their work may do so by notifying the instructor in writing.
Grade Weight
Assignments/Participation 20%
Quizzes 40%
Final 40%
Class Calendar and Assignments
(Schedule and assignments subject to change at Professor’s discretion.)
|
Date
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Topic
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Due
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August 19
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Syllabus, Modes, Other Scales
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HW: Scale Worksheet due 8/26
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August 24
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“…”
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August 26
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Chords/Simultaneities
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Due: Scale Worksheet: Modes, etc. due
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August 31
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Go over Composition Project Sheet 1 (planning)
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HW: Composition 1 due 9/16
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September 2
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Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Bela Bartok
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September 7
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Labor Day
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No Classes
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September 9
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More Bela Bartok
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September 14
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Maurice Ravel, Charles Ives
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September 16
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Post-tonality: Dodecaphony
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September 21
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“…”
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September 23
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Go over Composition Project Sheet 2 (planning), Post-tonality: Set Theory
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Due: Composition 1, HW: Composition 2 due 11/2
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September 28
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Post-tonality: Set Theory continued
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September 30
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Bela Bartok - Song of the Harvest
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HW: Tetrachord composition
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October 5
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Look at Tetrachord compositions, preview Schoenberg Hanging Gardens
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Due: Tetrachord composition
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October 7
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Revisit Schoenberg text
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October 12
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George Crumb, Madrigals
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October 14
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“…”
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October 19
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Schoenberg, Suite for Piano
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October 21
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“…”
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October 26
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Integral Serialism
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October 28
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“…”
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November 2
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Go over Composition Project 3 (planning)Deep Listening
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Due: Composition 2; HW: Composition 3 due 12/7
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November 4
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“…”
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November 9
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Minimalism
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November 11
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“…”
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November 16
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Aleatoric Music
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November 18
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“…”
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November 23
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Thanksgiving Break
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No Classes
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November 25
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Thanksgiving Break
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No Classes
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November 30
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Other genres
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December 2
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“…”
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December 7
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Listening to student projects
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Due: Composition 3
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December 9
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“…”
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Zoom Links:
MONDAYS:
David Witter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Composition I
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/j/94525384740?pwd=NlhSSlhMM0JEa2x6T0VuRy9UMVY2UT09
Meeting ID: 945 2538 4740
Passcode: 891022
One tap mobile
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Dial by your location
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Meeting ID: 945 2538 4740
Passcode: 891022
Find your local number: https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/u/acTOm8fECm
Join by SIP
94525384740@zoomcrc.com
Join by H.323
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69.174.57.160 (Canada)
207.226.132.110 (Japan)
Meeting ID: 945 2538 4740
Passcode: 891022
WEDNESDAYS:
David Witter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Composition I
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/j/91206784713?pwd=VFBKYTBDMGs2dTl4MnhST3RoNHdSdz09
Meeting ID: 912 0678 4713
Passcode: 346875
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,91206784713#,,,,,,0#,,346875# US (Germantown)
+13126266799,,91206784713#,,,,,,0#,,346875# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
Meeting ID: 912 0678 4713
Passcode: 346875
Find your local number: https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/u/achOf6lkMG
Join by SIP
91206784713@zoomcrc.com
Join by H.323
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
213.244.140.110 (Germany)
103.122.166.55 (Australia)
149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
69.174.57.160 (Canada)
207.226.132.110 (Japan)
Meeting ID: 912 0678 4713
Passcode: 346875
Listening Reference List (will be updated as we go, so check back!)
Shostakovich, String Quartet No. 1, Op. 118, II - uses Locrian Mode
Vaughan Williams, Variations on a Theme by Thomas Tallis - uses Phyrgian Mode
Simon and Garfunkel, Scarborough Fair - uses Dorian Mode
Elfman, Theme from "The Simpsons" - uses Lydian Mode
Vaughn Williams, Concerto for Bass Tuba - uses Pentatonic Scale
Debussy, Prelude Book I, Sails - uses Whole Tone Scale
Radiohead, Just - uses Octatonic Scale
Lutoslawski, Livre pour orchestra - uses Microtonal Scales
Ives, Piano Sonata no. 2, II - uses Secundal Harmony
Copland, Piano Fantasy - uses quartal/quintal harmony
Debussy, Preludes, Book II, La Puerta del Vino - uses Tertian Split Chords
Orff, Carmina Burana, III. Veris leta facies - uses open fifths harmonies
Scriabin, Etude, op. 56, no. 4 Presto - uses Whole Tone Chords
Persichetti, Little Piano Book, op. 60, Prologue - uses Polychords
Debussy, Heaths - uses Pentatonic
Haba, Suite for Quarter-Tone Clarinet and Quarter-Tone Piano - uses Microtonality
Bolcom, 12 New Etudes, Butterflies, Hummingbirds - uses Secundal Chords
Persichetti, Divertimento for Band, IV: March - uses Polychords
Ives, The Cage - uses Whole Tone Scale for melody
Debussy, Prelude IV: Les sons et les parfum tourner dans l'air (The sounds and fragrances swirl through the evening air) - anything that interests you
Ravel String Quartet, II - anything that interests you
Bartok, Contrasts, I. Verbunkos - anything that interests you