Central Methodist University Department of Music

MU471, Composition I

3 credits

Spring 2021

Meeting Time and Location:

Tues./Thurs. 8a-8:50a, Classic 200

 

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

During every class session, you will have the opportunity to learn new information and develop important skills.  You are fostering professional habits by being prompt and prepared for each class period.  It should be your goal to gain knowledge and greater musicianship every time we meet.  Each of you has unique contributions to make to the class and you should endeavor to add to the discussion whenever appropriate.  

 

Because your participation in class is vital to your success, you are expected to attend every class session in person.  The fourth absence will result in the reduction of your course grade by 10%. The fifth absence garners a 25% deduction. The sixth absence will result in lowering the grade by 40%, which means failing the class.  The only excused absences are for official university activities for which I am notified in advance by the student and the faculty sponsor and COVID-quarantine/isolation mandated by OSD or the CMU Nurse Practitioner.  Two tardies constitute an absence.

 

If you are in quarantine or isolation, you will want to participate in class on Zoom.  For participation, you will need a device situated so the camera is on your face at all times, and a separate device for class activities.  If there are extenuating circumstances, contact me about participating with the camera off.  

 

As always, I want to work with you so you can be successful.  Effective communication is the key to making that happen.

 

Per the Extended Absence Policy in the CLAS Catalog (https://clas-catalog.centralmethodist.edu/info/Student%20Academic%20Information.html#extended), “when there are extenuating circumstances, such as serious injury or illness that result in absence of more than two weeks, or a student is unable to finish the semester, alternative arrangements may be possible. Students must apply in advance to the Provost's Office in writing for permission. Individual instructors will not be permitted to make alternative arrangements without the Provost's Office permission. Students will not be permitted to transfer from a CLAS course to the same CGES course in the middle of a semester.”

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:

1. Grade of zero on the individual assignment.
2. Grade of F in the class.
3. Dismissal from the class.
4. 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	Topic	Due
January 19	Syllabus, Modes, Other Scales	HW: Scale Worksheet due 1/26
January 21	“…”
January 26	Chords/Simultaneities	Due: Scale Worksheet: Modes, etc. due
January 28	Go over Composition Project Sheet 1 (planning)	HW: Composition 1 due 2/18
February 2	Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel, and Bela Bartok
February 4	More Bela Bartok
February 9	Maurice Ravel, Charles Ives
February 11	Post-tonality: Dodecaphony
February 16	“…”
February 18	Go over Composition Project Sheet 2 (planning), Post-tonality: Set Theory	Due: Composition 1, HW: Composition 2 due 3/30
February 23	Post-tonality: Set Theory continued
February 25	Bela Bartok - Song of the Harvest	HW: Tetrachord composition
March 2	Look at Tetrachord compositions, preview Schoenberg Hanging Gardens	Due: Tetrachord composition
March 4	Revisit Schoenberg text
March 9	George Crumb, Madrigals
March 11	“…”
March 16	Schoenberg, Suite for Piano
March 18	“…”
March 23	Integral Serialism
March 25	“…”
March 30	Go over Composition Project 3 (planning)Deep Listening	Due: Composition 2; HW: Composition 3 due 4/27
April 6	“…”
April 8	Minimalism
April 13	“…”
April 15	Aleatoric Music
April 20	“…”
April 22	Other genres
April 27	“…”	Due: Composition 3
April 29	Listening to student projects
May 4	TBD

 

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

 

Class Instrumentation:

Megan Adams: oboe

Heather Armstrong: alto sax

Kona Asi: voice

Madalyn Bartholomew: trombone

Ezechial Daos: keyboard, flute

Addy Gabriel: keyboard, voice

Anna Geurkink: voice

Zachary Martin: clarinet

Morgan Puffer: voice

Hailey Sage: voice, french horn

Connor Sanchegraw: clarinet