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Music Composition (M.Phil.)

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Course Details

Course Details   Started in the academic year 2012-13, the music department is offering a one-year M.Phil. in Music Composition to cater for the growing demand for graduate studies of international standing in the area. Apart from one-on-one mentorship in composition itself, students will take courses in among others, music composition, experimental music theatre and contemporary opera, film music aesthetics, advanced orchestration (using technology as an assistant), and composition for mixed media.  This proposed M.Phil. course is  providing a backbone of activity for the Music Composition Centre, part of Trinity’s new initiative in Creative Arts, Technology and Culture.   Course Content:   The course consists of three elements:    4 compulsory taught modules spread across two semesters (40 ECTS).  Each compulsory module is worth 10 ECTS. The compulsory modules are Advanced Orchestration, Contemporary Music Studies, Composition I and Composition II. 2 optional taught modules, selected from a choice of 4 (20 ECTS).  Each optional module is worth 10 ECTS. The optional modules available are (i) Composition for Mixed Media, (ii) Music Cognition and Design, (iii) Experimental Music Theatre and Opera, and (iv)Theory, Aesthetics and Analysis.   Dissertation Module. The dissertation module consists of two components: (a) final portfolio of composition, and (b) an accompanying thesis of between 10,000 and 15,000 words. The final portfolio of compositions must have a performing duration of between 20-35 minutes. Portfolios with longer performance times will also be accepted, but these must be agreed in advance with the course director. Students will work on developing their portfolio and accompanying thesis in conjunction with an assigned supervisor. The accompanying thesis should deal with the structure, aesthetics and methods used by the candidate in the act of composition. The thesis should demonstrate a good knowledge of the context surrounding the candidate’s work, and in doing so should engage with history, criticism

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a good honours degree (at least an upper second or a GPA of at least 3.3). A sample of the candidate’s own critical and music writing (essay around 2,000 - 3,000 words and two compositions) is also required.

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Last updated 14 March 2012 by Postgraduate (Email).