MO1D03 - Creative Music Composition and Production 01 Sep 2021 - 31 Aug 2027 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: MO1D03
Module Title: Creative Music Composition and Production
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Music and Drama
Faculty Sub Group: Music
Module Leader: David Coker
Module Team: Matthew Evans, Lucy Squire, Andy Cooper, Tim Land
First Intended Intake: SEP 2021 Final Year of Intake: 2026
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes:
HECOS Code Weighting:

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2021
Valid To 31 Aug 2027

Module Aims

• To develop an understanding of the recording and mixing techniques used in commercial based technologies.
• To develop further the use of musical technology to capture, create and organise original musical ideas.
• To develop skills and techniques that can be applied to improve the production of music.
• To gain an understanding of the role of the musician a creative recording / music creation potential during recording and mixing sessions.
• To develop a consolidated intellectual aptitude, as well as a broader and deeper understanding of musical composition and arranging.
• To apply theoretical principles and developmental strategies in compositional frameworks.
• To critically analyse and evaluate a range of compositional styles and techniques.

Content Summary

This module offers students the opportunity to develop their creative practice through composition and sequencing skills. The module will introduce students to a range of techniques, styles and structures. Workshops will emphasise the significance of communicating musical ideas in keeping with current industry trends and practices.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Project supervision 16
Practical classes and workshops 28
Supervised time in studio/workshop 28
Independent Study 152
Directed Study 176
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Describe the techniques and apply knowledge and understanding of the techniques and organisational principles involved when utilising music technology, combined with a broad appreciation of the role it plays in functional and creative contexts.
LO2 Demonstrate a practical, theoretical and (when appropriate) critical understanding of harmony as it pertains to popular music, displaying the ability to create and organise original material for specified instrumentations with a capacity to utilise concepts learnt in compositional, practical, and academic contexts.
LO3 Compose for a range of instrumentations, including virtual instruments, confronting, assimilating and contextualising unfamiliar sounds, styles and genres.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Portfolio of Compositions 0 N/A 65 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Creative Designs / Art 1 Assessment of musical work. 20 N/A 35 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2 LO3
Portfolio 1
Creative Designs / Art 1

Reading List

Essential Reading

• Gibson, D and Curtis M. (2019) The Art of Producing: How to Create Great Audio Projects, Routledge
• Hewitt, M (2009) Composition for Computer Musicians. Boston: Course Technology
• Zager, M (2012) Music Production for Producers, Composers, Arrangers and Students. Scarecrow Press


Recommended Reading

• DeSantis, D. (2015) Making Music: 74 Creative Strategies for Electronic Music Producers. Berlin: Ableton AG
• Hewitt, M (2008) Music Theory for Computer Musicians. Boston: Course Technology
• Kuehnl, K & Haak, A (2019) Ableton Live 101 An Introduction to Ableton Live 10. Rowman & Littlefield
• McGuire, S (2020) Modern MIDI – Sequencing and Performing Using Traditional and Mobile Tools
• McGuire, S & Pritts, R (2008) Audio Sampling – A Practical Guide, Focal Press
• Nahmani, D (2020) Logic Pro X 10.5, Peachpit Press
• Russ, M. (2009) Sound Synthesis and Sampling 3rd edn. Oxford; Burlington, MA: Focal
• Snoman, R. (2019) Dance Music Manual: Tools, Toys and Techniques. 4th edn. Abingdon: Routledge 2019