Introduction to Contemporary Music

Contemporary Music:

• Definition: Music composed from the late 20th century to the present.

• Characteristics: Innovation in form, structure, and technology. Emphasis on individual expression and experimentation.

• Sub-genres: Minimalism, experimental music, electronic music, popular music, among others.

Purpose:

The "The Contemporary Music Maker" component is designed to emulate real-world music-making practices through collaborative projects. Students engage as researchers, creators, and performers, focusing on the exploration, experimentation, and presentation of their musical ideas. This component emphasizes the importance of planning, preparation, and collaboration.

Genres and Styles

Minimalism:

• Key Characteristics: Repetition of short motifs, steady pulse, gradual changes, hypnotic effect.

• Key Composers:

  • Steve Reich: Known for phasing techniques where two identical phrases are played in steady but not identical tempi, causing them to shift out of unison (e.g., "Clapping Music," "Music for 18 Musicians").

  • Philip Glass: Repetitive structures with subtle variations, often described as "music with repetitive structures" (e.g., "Glassworks," "Einstein on the Beach").

Experimental Music:

• Key Characteristics: Use of unconventional sounds, chance operations, extended techniques, non-traditional notation.

• Key Composers:

  • John Cage: Innovator in prepared piano (placing objects on or between the strings of a piano), chance music (e.g., "4'33"," "Sonatas and Interludes").

  • Morton Feldman: Known for quiet, slowly evolving soundscapes (e.g., "Rothko Chapel").

Electronic Music:

• Key Characteristics: Use of electronic instruments, synthesizers, digital audio workstations (DAWs), and various production techniques.

• Key Artists:

  • Kraftwerk: Pioneers of electronic music and synth-pop (e.g., "Autobahn," "Trans-Europe Express").

  • Aphex Twin: Known for complex rhythms and innovative sound design (e.g., "Selected Ambient Works 85-92").

Popular Music:

• Key Characteristics: Mass appeal, use of verse-chorus structure, production techniques.

• Key Artists:

  • The Beatles: Innovators in studio recording techniques, varied musical styles (e.g., "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band").

  • David Bowie: Known for genre-bending and reinvention (e.g., "Ziggy Stardust," "Heroes").

Technological Advances

Synthesizers:

• Moog: One of the first widely used synthesizers, used in rock, pop, and electronic music.

• ARP and Roland: Popular synthesizer brands that shaped the sound of electronic and pop music.

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs):

• Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio: Software used for composing, recording, and producing music. They allow for complex arrangements, editing, and mixing.

Sampling and Sequencing:

• Sampling: Using pre-recorded sounds in new compositions, often manipulated and integrated in various ways.

• Sequencing: Arranging music digitally, allowing for precise control over timing, pitch, and dynamics.

MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface):

• Functionality: Allows electronic instruments and computers to communicate, enabling complex arrangements and compositions.

Analytical Approaches

Form and Structure:

• Common Forms: Through-composed, verse-chorus, binary, ternary, rondo, theme and variations.

• Analysis Techniques: Look for repetition, development, contrast, and how these elements contribute to the overall structure.

Texture:

• Types: Monophonic (single melody), homophonic (melody with accompaniment), polyphonic (multiple independent melodies), heterophonic (variations of a single melody).

• Analysis Techniques: Observe how texture evolves throughout a piece, how different layers interact.

Harmony and Tonality:

• Harmonic Language: Tonal (traditional harmony), atonal (lack of a central key), modal (use of modes), quartal/quintal harmony (chords built on intervals of fourths or fifths).

• Analysis Techniques: Identify chord progressions, key changes, use of dissonance and resolution.

Rhythm and Meter:

• Rhythmic Elements: Syncopation, polyrhythms, additive rhythms, irregular meters.

• Analysis Techniques: Analyze how rhythm and meter contribute to the music's overall feel and structure.

Timbre and Instrumentation:

• Instrumental Roles: Identify the instruments used and their specific roles in the composition.

• Extended Techniques: Use of non-traditional ways to play instruments (e.g., prepared piano, multiphonics on wind instruments).

Context and Influence:

• Cultural and Historical Context: Understand the cultural, social, and historical background of the music.

• Influences: Consider how different genres, traditions, and technological advancements influence the music.

Listening and Analysis Practice

Listening to Key Works:

Steve Reich - "Music for 18 Musicians": Analyze the use of phasing and repetitive structures.

Philip Glass - "Glassworks": Focus on repetitive motifs and gradual changes.

John Cage - "Sonatas and Interludes": Study the use of prepared piano and non-traditional sounds.

Brian Eno - "Music for Airports": Understand the concept of ambient music and its impact on contemporary music.

Score Reading:

Practice reading scores of contemporary pieces, focusing on notational techniques and their translation to sound.

Look for innovative uses of traditional notation and new notational systems.

Comparative Analysis:

Compare and contrast different pieces within the contemporary music genre.

Focus on similarities and differences in compositional techniques, structure, and style.

Key Elements of the Project

Project Concept

Vision and Goals:

• Artistic Vision: Clearly define what you aim to achieve musically. This should be a compelling and innovative concept that drives your project.

• Relevance: Explain why the project is relevant and meaningful in a contemporary context. Discuss the cultural, social, or personal significance.

• Collaboration: Outline the roles and contributions of all collaborators involved. Each member should have a clear and defined role that plays to their strengths.

• Timeline: Develop a detailed schedule that includes preparation, practice, and rehearsal hours. Break it down into phases such as ideation, development, and execution.

• Resources: Identify all resources required such as collaborators, space, instruments, technology, and budget. Include a contingency plan for unforeseen challenges.

Developing Artistic Vision

• Passions and Interests: Projects should be driven by your personal musical passions and interests. Reflect on what excites you about music and how this can be integrated into your project.

• Musical Intentions: Refine your musical goals through thorough research and inquiry. Look into various musical styles, genres, and techniques that can enhance your project.

• Inspirations: Identify various contexts and areas of inquiry that inspire your project. Consider historical, cultural, and contemporary influences that can shape your work.

Planning the Project

• Vision to Goals: Translate your artistic vision into clear, achievable musical goals. Ensure these goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

• Tools for Planning: Use mind maps, online tools, or spreadsheets for organizing your project. Consider using project management software like Trello or Asana for collaboration.

• Alignment: Ensure your timeline and resource plan align with your project’s goals. Regularly review and adjust your plan to stay on track.

Managing the Project

• Leadership: Take on a leadership role for a specific aspect of the project. This could involve leading rehearsals, managing logistics, or overseeing creative direction.

• Responsibility: Demonstrate responsibility and effective use of resources. Show that you can manage time, budget, and personnel efficiently.

• Task Management: Set specific tasks, monitor progress, and adapt strategies as needed. Use Gantt charts or Kanban boards to visualize progress.

• Reflection: Reflect on your work regularly and adjust your plan accordingly. Keep a detailed journal of your reflections, challenges faced, and solutions found.

Process Evidence

Collection of Evidence:

• Documentation: Keep detailed records of your ideas, work in progress, and musical decisions. Include sketches, drafts, rehearsal notes, and feedback from collaborators.

• Formats: Use audio and visual recordings, music journals, and interviews with collaborators. This multimedia evidence should show the evolution of your project.

• Narrative: Provide a narrative that links evidence to your musical goals and explains any adjustments made. Explain the rationale behind key decisions and how they impacted the project.

Multimedia Presentation:

• Duration: Prepare a 15-minute presentation.

• Content: Include your project proposal, development process, final product, and evaluation.

  • Project Proposal: Clearly present your artistic vision, goals, and the planned approach.

  • Development: Show how your project evolved over time, highlighting key milestones and adjustments.

  • Final Product: Present the culmination of your work, demonstrating your musical achievements.

  • Evaluation: Reflect on the success of the project, what you learned, and what you would do differently.

• Narration: Provide continuous narration through voice-over or subtitles. Ensure it is clear and engaging, effectively guiding the viewer through your project.

• Referencing: Appropriately reference all sources and include a bibliography. Use consistent citation styles such as APA or MLA.

Collaboration

Collaborative Nature:

• Teamwork: Collaborate with other music or arts students. Effective teamwork and communication are essential for the success of the project.

• Distinct Roles: Each student should have a distinct leadership role and area of responsibility. Clearly define roles to ensure accountability and efficiency.

• Documentation: Record and clearly identify the contributions of each collaborator. Keep logs of meetings, rehearsals, and decision-making processes.

Exclusions:

• Professional Collaboration: Direct collaboration with teachers, professional musicians, or other professionals is not allowed. The project should be student-led.

Final Product

Presentation:

• Audience: Present your project to an identified audience. This could be a live audience or an online platform.

• Formats: The final product can be a live performance or a prepared video. Ensure it is polished and showcases the best aspects of your work.

• Skills: Demonstrate musicality, technical proficiency, and the achievement of your musical goals. Highlight your creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Submission Requirements:

• Organization: Ensure your multimedia presentation is well-organized and continuously narrated. The flow should be logical and engaging.

• Documentation: Include evidence of planning, execution, and evaluation. Show a clear connection between your initial goals and the final product.

• Musical Demonstration: Show your musical skills and technical proficiency through the final product. Use high-quality recordings and visuals to enhance the presentation.

Assessment Criteria

Weighting:
30% of the overall IB Music HL grade.

Components Assessed:

• Project Proposal: Clarity in defining the project vision, goals, and collaboration. Demonstrate thorough planning and foresight.

• Process Evidence: Quality and thoroughness of the documentation, decision-making, and evaluation process. Show the evolution and depth of your project.

• Final Product: Musicality and technical proficiency demonstrated in the final presentation. Highlight innovation, creativity, and collaboration.

• Multimedia Presentation: Coherence, logical flow, and overall presentation quality. Ensure the presentation is engaging, informative, and professional.