Additional scoring techniques, compositional devices, literature, and advanced techniques will be addressed in the seminar class associated with MUS 220 & 320 (see below).
- Major Applied area: MUS 164, 264 & 364 (16 Credits)
(Addition of 364 and a half recital requirement on major applied instrument)
- Secondary Applied area: MUS 171A, Piano (3 Credits)
- Enhance voicing/scoring skills
- Composers who are “non-pianists” tend to write less practical/playable keyboard parts (of course writing for any instrument requires the necessary research/understanding of what is possible/practical).
- Pedagogically – Composers often teach music theory – Must possess adequate keyboard skills.
The freshman year should be used to achieve a higher level on the applied instrument and acquire and/or solidify the necessary skill set (music theory) to become an informed, artistic, and more successful composer.
- MUS 120 – Introduction to Composition I (3 credit) To be taken spring quarter. This would be a class for all interested composition students addressing topics such as phrase structure, melodic development, transitions, and would include small projects. This would also include discussion of current compositional trends. All freshman would be encouraged to attend the Intermediate/Advanced seminar classes and studio recitals during the fall/winter quarters. Formal admission into the composition program with permission of the composition program advisor would occur at the conclusion of this course. Students must demonstrate the appropriate level of proficiency on their major instrument and successfully complete the Freshman Music Theory Sequence with grades of at least a B-.
- MUS 220 – Intermediate Composition II (6 credits) To be taken all three sophomore terms. This would include a weekly half hour individual lesson and a weekly seminar/studio class addressing topics such as basic scoring techniques, transpositions, ranges, textures, colors, form and compositional devices used in the common practice period, and score study of selected common practice period works. This will also include discussion of current compositional trends/new repertoire/composers, etc.
- MUS 320 – Advanced Composition III (6 credits) To be taken all three junior terms. This would include a weekly half hour individual lesson and a weekly seminar/studio class addressing advanced scoring techniques, Orchestral, Winds, Jazz, Percussion arranging, and 20th (& 21st) Century Score study (or Composition Literature).
- MUS 420 – Composition IV (9 credits) Individual instruction in preparation for senior composition recital. Includes studio class attendance.
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For additional information click on the links to the left or contact the composition program coordinator, Dr. Elaine Ross
Contact: Dr. Elaine Ross
Coordinator of Music Theory and Composition
Music Department
Central Washington University
400 East 8th Avenue
Ellensburg, WA 98926
tel: 509-963-1420
fax: 509-963-1239
email: rosse@cwu.edu |
