Course Outline

Commercial Composition Portfolio is a 3rd year double unit. The term "commercial" can mean any style of music as long as it can be given a commercial application. Generally "art" music such as classical or jazz can be included provided that the student can justify such an application for their specific work.

The first half of semester 1 consists of workshops in which students gain a knowledge of diverse compositional techniques and concepts. After this time students will be attending a combination of 45 minute individual tutorials and specialist seminars. There will also be a workshop from visiting professionals, last year it was a string quartet who specialise in pop recording sessions, Brilliant Strings. This year we are hoping to arrange some talks with industry professionals including film editors and music producers

Aims

In addition to teaching traditional commercial composition skills including melodic and rhythmic development, harmony, orchestration, studio skills, form and structure, the course also aims to provide the student with other skills that they will find very useful when pursuing a career as a professional composer. These are primarily the ability to (a) understand and follow a brief and (b) to present oneself and one's work effectively.

Marking

25% Presentation 20% Originality or pastiche 25% Accurate realisation of the brief 20% Compositional techniques 10% Coherence of concept