PERF 2023 The Composer-Performer

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 101539

Coordinator Bruce Crossman Opens in new window

Description Students are required to both perform and compose in this unit. While students may choose to perform their own work, this unit also offers the opportunity for students to experience the particular challenges and rewards offered by the close collaboration entailed in both sides of the composer/performer interface. Each student will choose a balance of performance and composition tasks appropriate to her/his specific musical path. The unit presents basic compositional techniques and canvasses issues regarding the composer/performer relationship through a series of lectures, tutorials and workshops. Students will also continue to develop their event administration skills.

School Humanities & Comm Arts

Discipline Music

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 2 subject

Pre-requisite(s) PERF 1017

Equivalent Subjects LGYA 1099 - Music Performance 4 The Composer-Performer

Assumed Knowledge

Students are to have completed the pre-requisites or equivalent knowledge and ability will be determined by the Subject Coordinator.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  1. plan, develop and perform a project as a featured player
  2. acquire the skills necessary to compose for given combinations of instruments
  3. extend on musical communication skills acquired in earlier units
  4. further develop skills in music notation acquired in earlier units
  5. apply techniques to structure musical material
  6. contextualise the composer/performer experience through a detailed project proposal
  7. meet the challenge of giving the first performance of a new work
  8. Those attending Art of Sound will be able to: participate in and contribute to Art of Sound activities and projects, collaborating with students across the Music program to develop and enhance production, technical and performance skills. Involvement in Art of Sound will culminate in contributing to the Creativity Unlimited Music Festival.

Subject Content

This subject will include theoretical and practical tasks designed to extend the technical and musical proficiency of the student as well as to canvass a number of important themes and issues relevant to the composer/performer relationship. The following topics will be included:
-twentieth and twenty-first century approaches to composition spanning contemporary art music, World musics and A wide range of popular musics
-performance practice Issues pertaining to these compositional approaches
-composing Issues relating to creating works for specific performers
-personal voice and societal music-associations in composition
-contemporary Critical theory and its application to music performance, composition and The dual role of composer-performer
-programming Issues specific to contemporary composition
-theoretical and practical Issues focused on The composer/performer interface in The performance event
-strategies to maximise communication between composers and performers

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Portfolio Either two compositions and one performance; OR one composition and two performances composition = 3-5minutes; performance = 3-5 minutes 60 N Individual
Professional task Composition = 1.5-2.5 minutes; 15 N Individual
Professional task Performance = 3-5 minutes or x 2 3-5 minutes 15 N Individual
Proposal 600 words 10 N Individual
Art of Sound Min 2 hrs per fortnight S/U Y Individual

Teaching Periods

Spring

Penrith (Kingswood)

Day

Subject Contact Bruce Crossman Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window