MUS2040 - Audio culture: Developments in new music

Leader(s): Thomas Reiner

Offered

Clayton Second semester 2009 (Day)

Synopsis

The unit will introduce students you to a range of concepts in the field of contemporary audio-based art. It will concentrate on important innovations that developed outside the mainstream of contemporary Western art music, especially those that occurred throughout the 20th century, and which continue to exert influence today. The unit will examine how such concepts and innovations have influenced not only composers of art music, but music practitioners across all genres, including popular music, sound art and jazz.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, students will have:

1. acquired a deep understanding of contemporary music and audio-based art
2. become thoroughly familiar with a variety of key works in the repertoire
3. acquired the knowledge of major compositional approaches, philosophies and aesthetics associated with contemporary sound-based work
4. acquired an understanding of the complex interplay of new technologies and aesthetic forms.

Assessment

Concert exam: 50%
Concert preparation: 30%
Program notes (500 words): 10%
Listening test: 10%

Contact hours

3 hours (1 x 2 hour performance seminar and 1 x 1 hour library study) per week