Composition Stream
Students choose to study composition at Waikato because of the Music Programme's outstanding lecturers and flexible programmes. With five experienced composers on staff, students learn directly from practising creative artists whose own work is performed both within New Zealand around the world.
Composition 1 involves the experiencing of music through composing it, with the primary focus on fundamental composition principles such as melody writing, rhythm, harmony, counterpoint and dramatic shape. Composition 2 and 3 lead into more specialised study through the detailed examination of masterpieces of Western art music on the one hand, and students regularly writing original works on the other, including both short weekly exercises and two or three larger pieces for each course.
The aim is to provide a solid basis of understanding and technique which will allow each young composer to find his or her individual creative voice. Composition student are encouraged to work with performers so that hands-on experience matches artistic and imaginative development. Third year students are encouraged to offer works for workshop performance by the professional orchestras or other leading performers.
Degrees
Music Composition is usually studied as part of the Bachelor of Music (BMus) degree. Alternatively it can be included towards the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree as either a major or supporting subject.
The core undergraduate papers in compostion are:
MUSI115 Composition 1
The development of creative musical skills and techniques based on historical as well as contemporary art music idioms: melody writing; the art of song; thematic development; harmonic understanding; counterpoint.
MUSI215 Composition 2
The development of individual creative musical skills based on the studies of historical and comtemporary techniques in western classical music.
MUSI315 Composition 3
The development of creative musical skills, techniques and technologies based on studies in Western art music 1900 to the present.
Papers to further your studies:
MUSI222 Orchestration
A study of writing for orchestral instruments; scoring for standard ensembles, from chamber groups to the twenty first century symphony orchestra; arranging keyboard pieces and reducing orchestral and choral works.
MUSI323 Acoustic and Electroacoustic Composition
The supervised development of individual portfolios of original music.
All major Composition assignments are performed so students can actually hear the music they are writing. Most performances are recorded and dropped onto CD for each students' future reference.
Composition Lecturers
Music at the University of Waikato is particularly fortunate to have attracted a number of prominent New Zealand composers onto its staff, including Martin Lodge, Michael Williams, Ian Whalley, and David Griffiths.
Specialist Facilities
Computer Studios: The University of Waikato Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has dedicated computers loaded with digital music composition in computer labs available to students 24 hours a day. Click here to view the range of software installed in each lab.
Practice/Composition Rooms: A suite of rooms equipped with pianos is available 24 hours a day for currently enrolled Music students to practice in or use for composition work.
Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts: The Gallagher Concert Chamber is an acoustically designed concert venue in the University's acclaimed WEL Academy of Performing Arts. The Concert Chamber is the home for Music performance, including student compositions. This hall is widely regarded as one of the finest specialist music venues in the country.
Library: The University has a multitude of books covering the many aspects of music. There is also substantial holding of music scores, CDs, videos, DVDs and journals, all of which can be borrowed by enrolled students free of charge.
Live Performance of Music: Composition students have the opportunity to encounter a broad selection of repertoire and artists' music live on campus over the course of the year with series such as the Lunchtime Recital Series and Friday 6pm Series. The contemporary music ensemble Okta specialises in comtemporary and premiere music performances. The performers are mainly staff and students, along with distinguished guests. Performance students also present work-in-progress every Friday during 'performance hour'. Composition students are encouraged to listen to these sessions also. Each academic year culminates with the Lilburn Trust Young Composer Awards evening, featuring a concert of outstanding works by student composers, with funding and prizes provided by the Lilburn Trust.
See Also:
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