Music 113/213/313,
Fundamentals of Composition; Fall, 2006, 2 credits
Dr. Paul Seitz, instructor; email:
ptseitz@pasty.net
Tuesdays, 4:00 to 6:30 p.m., HFA 224
Course Description:
Music 113/213/313 combines three levels of study into a single process of collaborative study in music composition. Therefore, a major focus will be to establish appropriate academic and artistic goals for each student that will lead to personal growth for the entire class. For more advanced students, especially, learning will be accomplished in the roles of both student and teacher (informally, in class). For all students the roles of composer and performer will frequently be alternated. Topics for this class will include:
Development of appropriate personal composition goals.
Study of compositional techniques, approached through consideration of existing music and, especially, through practical application in composition assignments.
Study of the capabilities of specific instruments, and principles of orchestration, as appropriate to each student.
Fundamental topics in notation, as needed.
Essential considerations in collaboration with performers.
Practical strategies for presentation of ones music, including editorial issues.
Required Materials:
-- Manuscript
paper, pencils and erasers.
-- Library access, for reserve materials (Music Library)
-- Internet access, for on-line texts and practice applications.
Attendance:
Attendance is required at all class meetings. It will be monitored and taken into account in determining final grades. There will be unfamiliar concepts and techniques presented in each week of this course. Progress in working with these skills is, necessarily, incremental, and cannot be accomplished all at once, at any point in the semester. The easiest thing one can do to improve ones chances of getting a good grade in this course is to be in class, day in and day out. However, if attendance is not possible, you are responsible for all assignments. In the case of a medical emergency, please communicate with me as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements for completing course work or taking an incomplete in the course.
Assignments:
Homework assignments are crucial to your success in the course as they provide a focus for discussions of concepts and techniques covered in the course as well as material on exams. Assignments are due on time (at the beginning of class). Excepting specific arrangements pertaining to a medical or other emergency, late assignments will be penalized, and assignments turned in more than 72 hours after they are due will not receive a grade.
Grading System (Music 201E and 201F):
Grades are given on the basis of (1) what we
consider to be the minimum standards of competence, (2) the performance
of the class or section as a whole, and (3) the growth and progress
of each student. That said, the following gives a general idea of
the emphasis that will be given to various course components.
Written Assignments 30%
Class Participation 30%
Midterm 15%
Final Exam (or Final Project) 25%
Final Exam:
The Final Exam is on Tuesday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m. Please make necessary arrangements in advance
so that you can be there, as attendance is required.
Office Hours:
Since I do not have an office, my office hours have to be by appointment. But I am happy to meet with you (finding a place to meet, as we go) as well as to discuss any questions you have via email (since I am not on campus every day). Please email with any questions, and to schedule meetings.
University-wide policies:
The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. YOU ARE INDIVIDUALLY AND SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VIOLATIONS OF COPYRIGHT AND FAIR USE LAWS. THE UNIVERSITY WILL NEITHER PROTECT NOR DEFEND YOU NOR ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYEE OR STUDENT VIOLATIONS OF FAIR USE LAWS. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. To familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, you are encouraged to visit the following website: .
The Disability Resource Center (DRC) coordinates all academic accommodations for students with documented disabilities. The DRC is the official office to review and house disability documentation for students, and to provide them with an official Academic Accommodation Plan to present to the faculty if an accommodation is warranted. The DRC strongly encourages faculty to provide accommodations only if and when they are in receipt of said plan. Faculty should not provide students accommodations without being in receipt of this plan.
UNLV complies with the provisions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, offering reasonable accommodations to qualified students with documented disabilities. If you have a documented disability that may require accommodations, you will need to contact the DRC for the coordination of services. The DRC is located in the Student Services Complex (SSC), Room 137, and the contact numbers are: VOICE (702) 895-0866, TTY (702) 895-0652, FAX (702) 895-0651. For additional information, please visit: .
For additional information about the DRC and procedures to follow when students ask for exemptions or exceptions based on their disability claim, refer them to the DRC website. For all faculty and staff (professional and classified) ADA accommodation determinations, please contact Marc Cardinalli, Assistant General Counsel and Administrative Code Officer, Flora Dungan Humanities Building (FDH), Room 320, 895-1879.
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