The Contemporary Music Maker - IB Music HL

Contemporary Music

Music composed from the late 20th century to the present, characterized by innovation in form, structure, and technology, emphasizing individual expression and experimentation.

Minimalism

Music style characterized by repetition of short motifs, steady pulse, gradual changes, and a hypnotic effect.

Experimental Music

Music genre characterized by the use of unconventional sounds, chance operations, extended techniques, and non-traditional notation.

Electronic Music

Music genre utilizing electronic instruments, synthesizers, digital audio workstations, and various production techniques.

Popular Music

Music genre with mass appeal, utilizing verse-chorus structure and specific production techniques.

Synthesizers

Instruments like Moog, ARP, and Roland used in rock, pop, and electronic music for sound shaping.

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Software like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and FL Studio used for composing, recording, and producing music.

Sampling

Incorporating pre-recorded sounds into new compositions, often manipulated and integrated in various ways.

Sequencing

Arranging music digitally for precise control over timing, pitch, and dynamics.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface)

Enables communication between electronic instruments and computers for complex arrangements and compositions.

Form and Structure

Analytical focus on common forms like through-composed, verse-chorus, binary, ternary, rondo, and theme and variations.

Texture

Analytical focus on types like monophonic, homophonic, polyphonic, and heterophonic textures.

Harmony and Tonality

Analytical focus on harmonic language including tonal, atonal, modal, quartal/quintal harmony, and related analysis techniques.

Rhythm and Meter

Analytical focus on rhythmic elements like syncopation, polyrhythms, additive rhythms, and irregular meters.

Timbre and Instrumentation

Analytical focus on instrumental roles, extended techniques, and the use of non-traditional ways to play instruments.

Cultural and Historical Context

Understanding the cultural, social, and historical background of music, considering influences from genres, traditions, and technological advancements.

Listening to Key Works

Practice analyzing key works like Steve Reich's 'Music for 18 Musicians' and Philip Glass's 'Glassworks' for specific musical elements.

Score Reading

Practice reading contemporary music scores to understand notational techniques and their translation to sound.

Comparative Analysis

Compare and contrast contemporary music pieces focusing on compositional techniques, structure, and style.

Project Concept

Artistic vision and goals, relevance of the project in a contemporary context.

Relevance

Explain why the project is meaningful in a contemporary context.

Collaboration

Outline roles and contributions of all project collaborators.

Timeline

Detailed schedule including preparation, practice, and rehearsal.

Resources

Identify required resources like space, instruments, and budget.

Passions and Interests

Projects driven by personal musical passions and interests.

Musical Intentions

Refine goals through research on musical styles and techniques.

Inspirations

Identify historical, cultural, and contemporary influences.

Vision to Goals

Translate artistic vision into clear, achievable musical goals.

Tools for Planning

Use mind maps or project management software for organization.

Alignment

Ensure timeline and resources align with project goals.

Leadership

Take a leadership role in project aspects like rehearsals.

Responsibility

Demonstrate effective resource management and time usage.

Task Management

Set specific tasks, monitor progress, and adapt strategies.

Reflection

Regularly reflect on work and adjust plans accordingly.

Documentation

Keep detailed records of ideas, progress, and decisions.

Formats

Use audio recordings, music journals, and interviews as evidence.

Narrative

Link evidence to goals, explaining key decisions and impacts.

Multimedia Presentation

Prepare a 15-minute presentation on project proposal and process.

Collaborative Nature

Essential teamwork and communication for project success.

Distinct Roles

Each student should have a clear leadership role and responsibility.

Exclusions

No direct collaboration with professionals; project is student-led.

Audience

Present project to an identified audience, live or online.

Submission Requirements

Organized multimedia presentation with evidence and musical demonstration.

Assessment Criteria

Weighted components: Project Proposal, Process Evidence, Final Product, Multimedia Presentation.