Units
Materials of Music
Unit code: KMP405
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
This unit provides the basis for understanding rhythmic, melodic and timbral organisation and their relationship to texture. The study of textural design has been enriched by recent developments in music technology, enabling music to be heard as pure timbre in the sound media. As well as studying texture, timbre, rhythm and melodic organisation, this unit includes the study of formal devices, processes and analytical techniques that musicians and composers use to generate textures
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
In an orchestra, band or electronic ensemble there has to be strong understanding of musical texture and timbral structures as well as understanding the idiosyncrasies of different instruments and the human voice. The study of the generic musical skill of textural design has been enriched since the invention of the microphone and amplifier, enabling music to be heard as pure timbre in the sound media. Akin to this is the need for musicians and composers to have skills in the development of musical forms and textures.
Aims
The unit aims to equip you with the skills required to gain an understanding of various musical and sonic structures, forms and textures in a variety of genres and styles, within both acoustic and mediated environments.
Objectives
On completion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Explain specified textural approaches and concepts used in music and sound art.
2. Employ formal techniques associated with music production
3. Explain the role of timbre, rhythm and melodic organisation in recorded musical textures
4. Apply your understanding to your chosen recorded composition and analysis.
Content
This unit addresses content such as:
- timbre and texture
- symbolic representation of sound texture
- acoustic sonic environments
- mediated sonic environments
- selected music and sound genres and styles
- analysis of formal structures
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Tutorials will be used to reflect upon work that you have completed from session to session and will be related directly to assessment items. Additional interactive on-line resources will be available. This unit consists of enrolled undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Assessment
LATE ASSIGNMENTS
An assignment submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, you should submit on time whatever work you have done.
Faculty Assessment Information
To access the Creative Industries Faculty Assessment Information see the Blackboard site for this unit.FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
You will receive formative feedback on your progress in this unit during tutorials and discussions throughout the semester. Weight: 0%
Assessment name:
Essay
Description:
Analyse a recorded work of your choice with specific reference to the texture produced by the component sounds.
Relates to objectives:
1, 3 and 4
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Mid semester
Assessment name:
Portfolio
Description:
(Summative & Formative) Produce an original recording of any composition and write an analysis of the recording process with reference to the textural qualities of the outcome.
Relates to objectives:
All
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
End of Semester
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Recommended References
Adler, S. (2002) The Study of Orchestration. New York: Norton Co.
Erickson, Robert. (1975) Sound Structure in Music, Year. University of California Press,
Morgan, Robert P. (1991) Twentieth-century music: a history of musical style in modern Europe and America Publisher: New York: Norton Co
Kostka, Stefan M. (c2006) Materials and techniques of twentieth-century music. Pearson Prentice Hall,
Simms, Bryan R. (c1996) Music of the twentieth century : style and structure
New York : Schirmer Books ; London : Prentice Hall International.
Wishart, T. (1996) On Sonic Art Harwood OPA: Amsterdam.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 26-Sep-2012
