Modules

Core Module Information
Module title: Score Interpretation
SCQF level: 07:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10
Module code: MUS07143
Module leader: Ken Dempster
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added
Description of module content:

In this module you will take a performative and experimental approach to musical composition. By focusing principally on creativity manifested through alternative notations such as graphic and text scores, you will focus on musical expression and its relationship to gesture and instruction in a very direct way. The performative and creative aspects of this module have clear application to the wider practical music making you will engage in throughout the programme, and the compositional aspects lay the groundwork for further study of music composition and the analytical study of music. Sessions on musical notation software will improve your technical skills in laying out scores, parts, and musical examples.
Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Respond creatively to a brief employing your musical imagination.

LO2: Demonstrate an appreciation of specific musical elements (including pitch, line, harmony, sonority, rhythm, and texture).

LO3: Recognise structural shapes that demonstrate effective musical pacing.

LO4: Relate notational decisions to musical expression.

LO5: Duplicate appropriate idiomatic and genre-based strategies.

LO6: Reproduce standard classical musical notation.
Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 1, In Person, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Ken Dempster
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 24 The TR1 and TR2 lectures cover a wide array of musical topics and genres and help to lay the foundations for good understanding in musical perception and analysis through the development of practical skills in aural perception and relevant discussion. There are also workshop sessions that involve studying composers' text-based/graphic scores as models for original creative scores. Improvisation workshops allow for the development of musical material and ideas expressing the text-based/graphic score in preparation for the assessment. NB: This is a long & thin module and these sessions will occur on a bi-weekly basis over the course of trimesters one and two, totalling 12 sessions.
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 12 These TR1 and TR2 workshops help to develop the knowledge and handling skills of the Sibelius Music Notation Software. Various aspects of score layout, keyboard shortcuts and appropriate notational practice are learnt through the completion of the practical excerpts. NB: This is a long & thin module and these sessions will occur on a bi-weekly basis over the course of trimesters one and two, totalling 12 sessions.
Online GROUPIND_STUDY 70 In both TR1 and TR2 students work in small groups to share creative ideas towards the completion of a composition using text and/or graphic notation. As the score of the composition develops, students begin to devise instrumental material that expresses the ideas contained in the score. Rehearsals are focussed towards the workshops where each group receives feedback from the tutor and peers.
Online Guided independent study 94 In both TR1 and TR2 each student creates a text-based composition so they can explore the relationship between notation and expressive elements. While creating this composition, the student is encouraged to explore narrative ideas, sounds and aural textures that can be interpreted by musicians in different ways. Whilst learning about the practical applications of music notation using the Sibelius Music Notation Software, the students will complete exercises that encourage good practice and demonstrate clear notational understanding.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Portfolio 40 4~6 Week 14 , WORDS= 0.1 The TR2 Week 14 assessment will take the form of musical examples embedded into a Word document.
Project - Practical 60 1~2~3~4~5 Week 12 HOURS= 2hrs. The TR2 Week 12 assessment will take the form of a notation of a graphic or text-based score, and a realisation (performance) of this notation.
Component 1 subtotal: 60
Component 2 subtotal: 40
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
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