Core Module Information
Module title: Composition & Orchestration

SCQF level: 08:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: MUS08155
Module leader: Ken Dempster
School School of Arts and Creative Industries
Subject area group: Screen and Performance
Prerequisites

Requisites: Pre-requisite: Awareness of fundamental principles of musical composition; Acquired skills in exploring theoretical musical concepts; Communicating compositional ideas using appropriate methods. AND Pre-requisite: [Module MUS07143] Score Interpretation

Description of module content:

In this module you will learn to write for specific instrumental and vocal combinations which may include choir, solo piano, and trios/quartets. Some of these pieces may be performed and workshopped through the course of the module to give you the direct experience of hearing what you are writing. If so, performers (including both staff and students) will offer feedback which will at once give you vital advice on writing and scoring, and enhance your professional skills as a composer. Specific Sibelius Skills sessions on musical notation will enable you to express yourself clearly and effectively.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Explore creative strategies in order to extend your musical imagination.

LO2: Examine and exemplify specific applications of musical elements (pitch, line, harmony, sonority, rhythm, texture, etc.).

LO3: Develop insight into structure and pacing as they relate to musical expression.

LO4: Utilise a problem-solving approach to notational challenges.

LO5: Differentiate between different instruments and idioms.

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 lectures involve studying a variety of compositions by established composers so that you can learn and assess the technical and musical means of communication in each score and utilise this learning as a model for your own composition work. Some of the later lectures will have a workshop feel as the tutor gives direct feedback to you on your compositions, one to be submitted at the end of each trimester. 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 The Sibelius Skills workshops help to support you as you develop your own composition work. You will learn skills in how to lay out a score, to notate music in a logical, legible and consistent manner and to understand the use of keyboard shortcuts and other practical techniques relating to the effective use of Sibelius Music Notation Software. 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 Guided independent study 164 The lectures will give you more knowledge and skills in the use of the principal musical elements of harmony, melody and rhythm. Alongside the Sibelius Music Notation Software support, you will become more confident as you work independently towards the completion of two contrasting compositions, one at the end of each trimester. Reasonable adjustments: resources are available on Moodle to support learning and submission of work. Audio and video recordings and pdf files of scores can be heard and viewed as models for your own composition work to help support your understanding of musical structure, use of harmony and tonality, and effective contrasts in musical texture.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Project - Practical 50 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 HOURS= approx. 2-4mins TR1: Compose a short piece (approx. 2-4mins.) for either solo piano or unaccompanied choir (SATB). The composition should express musical ideas contained within a clear structural framework. The use of the principal musical elements of harmony, melody and rhythm should express a clear musical character.Reasonable adjustments: resources are available on Moodle to support learning and submission of work. Audio and video recordings and pdf files of scores can be heard and viewed as models for your own composition work to help support understanding of musical structure, use of harmony and tonality, and effective contrasts in musical texture.
Project - Practical 50 1~2~3~4~5 Week 13 HOURS= approx. 2-4mins TR2: Compose a short piece (approx. 2-4mins.) for either a trio or quartet of instruments. The composition should express musical ideas contained within a clear structural framework. The use of the principal musical elements of harmony, melody and rhythm should express a clear musical character.Reasonable adjustments: resources are available on Moodle to support learning and submission of work. Audio and video recordings and pdf files of scores can be heard and viewed as models for your own composition work to help support understanding of musical structure, use of harmony and tonality, and effective contrasts in musical texture.Formative assessments: These are carried out three times in the trimester when the students submit their work-in-progress to the tutor for in-class feedback.Leganto link: Not required for this module.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
MUS08155