Course code: 3063 + Course fees: local students - RTS HECS-exempt places available + Coordinator: Thomas Reiner
The Master of Arts in Music Composition is designed for composers to develop a distinctive compositional voice and to research and acquire a range of compositional techniques. Candidates will create a folio of original compositions that demonstrates their ability to work in various media, including traditional, electro-acoustic, and contemporary solo and chamber combinations. In addition, candidates will write a critical commentary that demonstrates their capacity for research into compositional approaches and musical aesthetics in the context of contemporary music. Through regular work in the School of Music - Conservatorium's music studios, candidates will acquire a knowledge of music technology and an understanding of music technology as a compositional tool. Candidates will work closely with their supervisor(s), whose primary role is to identify and develop candidates' goals and to strengthen their intellectual and technical capacity to meet these goals.
Applicants for the degree of MA in musical composition should have completed an honours degree with a composition component with an overall grade of H2A or above as well as a grade of distinction or above for the composition component, or a masters qualifying in music with a composition component with an overall grade of H2A or above as well as a grade of distinction or above for the composition component. Candidates who have obtained the above minimum qualifications without having undertaken composition units at either honours or masters qualifying levels need to demonstrate their ability to compose through the submission of at least two original musical works to the satisfaction of the school's coordinator of composition.
Course structure is 100 per cent research in the form of musical composition. In close consultation with their supervisor, a candidate will be required to develop a composition folio consisting of both musical scores and sound recordings. The overall duration of the submitted music would normally be between 30 to 45 minutes. Depending on the complexity of the submitted music, however, the overall duration may deviate considerably from the given range. Together with the folio of compositions, candidates are required to write a critical commentary of between 10,000 and 15,000 words. The critical commentary must be scholarly in character and, at a minimum, address the following: (1) explication of aesthetic arguments that provide a conceptual basis for the submitted compositions, (2) compositional approach, process, and techniques, (3) aesthetic placement and stylistic predecessors, (4) sonic realisation and performance context.
The period of candidature is two years full-time or four years part-time.
Minimum candidature for all research students is one year full-time or two
years part-time.
Full-time candidates are expected to allocate 48 hours per week to
compositional activities and meet with their supervisor(s) on a regular basis.
Full-time candidates are required to attend a minimum of 10 of the school's
postgraduate seminars during each year of their candidature. Part-time
candidates are required to attend a minimum of five seminars per year.
Candidates are required to present at least one postgraduate seminar during the
course of their candidature.
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