Course code: 3063 + Course fees: domestic students -
fee-waived RTS places available + 2 years full-time (minimum 1 year), 4 years
part-time
Coordinator: Thomas Reiner
This course is designed for composers interested in developing 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.
Candidates
undertake 100% 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.
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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