This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
Students will develop an understanding of the harmonic systems found in popular music, including standard chord progressions and their deformation through substitution; tonal/modal melodies and basslines; the relationship between words and music; and rhythmic, metric and stylistic conventions. Students will analyse key repertoires and styles. Examples will be taken from within and outside the 'mainstream' of popular music, and will enable students to develop a novel palette of harmonic and melodic devices that retain points of contact with a range of popular music traditions. During this module students will develop a 3-5 minute song composition through a series of workshops where they will receive feedback on their work in progress.
Learning and Teaching Methods
This module will be taught by means of a 1-hour lecture and 1-hour workshop for ten weeks:
Total Contact Hours: 20
Independent Study Hours: 130
Total Study Hours: 150
Students will receive the opportunity for individual feedback on work in progress during the course of the module.
This module will be assessed by 100% coursework.
1) 25% Song Analysis (750 words)
2) 75% Song Composition (3-5 minutes)
Everett, W. (2008). 'Pitch down the middle', in Expression in Pop-Rock Music, ed. W. Everett (New York: Routledge), pp. 111-174.
Everett, W. (2009). The Foundations of Rock: From Blue Suede Shoes to Suite: Judy Blue Eyes. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Please, F. (2001). Modern Jazz Voicings: Arranging for Small and Medium Ensembles. Boston, Mass.: Berklee Press
Tagg, P. (2009). Everyday Tonality: Towards a Theory of What Most People Hear. New York: Mass Media Music Scholars Press.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) Demonstrate an understanding of key technical concepts in writing and arranging popular music.
2) Demonstrate a detailed critical awareness of key topics in music theory in areas such as tonality/modality, harmony, rhythm, harmonic rhythm, hyper-metre and phrase structure.
3) Create original music using songwriting techniques, shaping and beginning to nuance the finer details of a composition.
4) Utilize musical instruments and related musical technologies to develop sophisticated musical material in the production of songs.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1) Use IT and other sophisticated technologies in the preparation of work.
2) Be self-critical of work in progress, responding to the critical insights of others in order to develop a final piece of work.
3) Prioritise tasks and manage time and resources effectively.
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