Application of Knowledge
Applying theoretical knowledge to practical work for informed creative decisions.
Practicing and Refining
Involves an iterative process of trial, refinement, and revision based on feedback and reflection.
Evaluation and Reflection
Critical evaluation of music-making processes, strengths, weaknesses, and proposing solutions for improvement.
Experimenting with music
Involves exploring new sounds, techniques, and forms to push the boundaries of traditional music-making, emphasizing innovation, creativity, and breaking conventional norms.
Melody
The horizontal aspect of music, involving a sequence of notes perceived as a single entity.
Harmony
The vertical aspect of music, involving the combination of different notes played simultaneously.
Rhythm
The timing of musical sounds and silences, including aspects like beat, tempo, and meter.
Texture
How different musical sounds and lines are combined, ranging from monophonic to polyphonic.
Timbre
The quality or color of a musical sound that distinguishes different types of sound production.
Form
The overall structure or plan of a piece of music, often delineated by sections and themes.
Dynamics
The variation in loudness between notes or phrases in music.
John Cage
An avant-garde composer known for compositions like '4'33"' and 'Sonatas and Interludes.'
Karlheinz Stockhausen
An electronic music pioneer known for works like 'Gesang der Jünglinge' and 'Kontakte.'
Steve Reich
A minimalist composer recognized for works like 'It's Gonna Rain' and 'Music for 18 Musicians.'
György Ligeti
A composer known for avant-garde works like 'Atmosphères' and 'Lux Aeterna.'
Extended Techniques
Playing instruments in non-traditional ways to produce unconventional sounds.
Prepared Piano
Inserting objects like screws, rubber, or paper between piano strings to alter the sound.
Multiphonics
Producing multiple notes simultaneously on wind instruments.
Bow Over the Bridge
Playing string instruments with the bow near or on the bridge to produce eerie sounds.
Electronic Manipulation
Using electronic devices and software to alter and create sounds.
Sampling
Using pre-recorded sounds and incorporating them into new compositions.
Synthesis
Creating sounds from scratch using synthesizers.
Digital Effects
Applying effects like reverb, delay, and distortion to alter sound.
Aleatoric Processes
Incorporating elements of chance into composition and performance.
Indeterminate Notation
Notating music that allows for performer interpretation.
Minimalism
Using repetitive structures and gradual changes to create music.
Phasing
Playing two identical phrases at slightly different tempos so they gradually shift out of sync.
Improvisation
Creating music spontaneously within certain guidelines or frameworks.
Sound Exploration
Discovering new sounds through unconventional instruments, found objects, or electronic means.
Theme
Deciding on a central theme or idea for the piece.
Influences
Drawing inspiration from other works, genres, or experiences.
Score Writing
Notating music using traditional or graphic scores.
Traditional Notation
Using standard musical notation with some modifications.
Graphic Notation
Using visual symbols to represent sound, often without traditional staves and notes.
Recording and Production
Using recording technology to capture and manipulate sound.
Multi-Tracking
Recording multiple layers separately and combining them.
Sound Editing
Using software to cut, splice, and process recordings.
4'33" by John Cage
Concept: Silence and ambient sounds are the focus. Impact: Challenges the definition of music and the role of the performer and listener.
Gesang der Jünglinge by Karlheinz Stockhausen
Concept: Integration of human voice and electronic sounds. Impact: Pioneered spatial audio and electronic music techniques.
Music for 18 Musicians by Steve Reich
Concept: Minimalism with gradual process changes. Impact: Demonstrates the hypnotic effect of repetition and phased patterns.
Atmosphères by György Ligeti
Concept: Micropolyphony and static textures. Impact: Creates a dense, immersive sound world.
Connect Theory and Practice
Integrate theoretical understanding with hands-on music-making.
Develop Musical Competencies
Enhance skills in composition, improvisation, and performance.
Explore Diverse Musical Materials
Engage with a wide array of musical stimuli from different cultures and historical periods.
Experimenting as a Researcher
Investigation and Analysis: Students investigate and analyze music to inform their practical work.
Critical Reflection
Regular reflection on the process and outcomes of their experiments helps students refine their work.
Musical Decision-Making
Based on their research and reflections, students make informed decisions about how to develop their musical ideas.
Idea Development
Students experiment with developing musical ideas through composing, improvising, and arranging.
Artistic Choices
Students make artistic choices about how to modify, manipulate, and transform musical elements.
Application of Findings
Students apply their theoretical findings to their practical work, ensuring that their creative decisions are informed by a deep understanding of musical principles.
Shaping Musical Ideas
Students develop their ability to communicate musical ideas through performance.
Performance Techniques
Students experiment with different performance techniques and musical elements, such as dynamics, articulation, and phrasing.
Independent Musical Voice
Through regular practice and experimentation, students refine their performing skills and develop an independent musical voice.
Iterative Process
Students continuously trial, refine, and revise their musical material.
Technical Mastery
Students work on mastering the technical skills required for their creative and performing activities.
Critical Evaluation
Students critically evaluate their music-making processes and outcomes.