MUC-415 jsokol@bw.

edu

Final Project – Due Friday, 05/03/2019

Objective
Research and analyze a recent composition (within the last 30 years, or since 1989), then
compose a small piece based on that composition’s instrumentation.

Instructions
This project is three-fold: research, analysis, create.

1.) You may choose the composition by whatever means suit you: perhaps you’re mandated to
compose a piece, therefore choosing the instrumentation for you; out of sheer curiosity; you may
have heard something recently; and so on. There are no limitations on style, genre, language,
nationality, approach, content, etc. If you think your choice is unusual, bring it to my attention
and we’ll discuss.

2.) Though scores to recent compositions can be tricky to obtain, do your best to find some visual
representation of the music to analyze. Analyses can be done on the score itself, but should be
communicated in a separate Word document. Consider the following aspects of the piece:
 Structure/Form
 Harmonic and/or rhythmic language
 Influence of nationality, or current trend(s)
 Historical/external inspirations
 Music of contemporaries in same and/or different countries
 Anything else you find interesting

3.) Your piece does not need to be modeled after your chosen composition. Style, genre,
language, everything (!) is up to you. Pieces need not be lengthy: 3 – 4 minutes. The pieces will
not be performed, but you are required to turn in a score (no parts), and a PDF will suffice.
Notice that the due date is the Friday of finals week. Expectations for score presentation are
below.

Your project will be graded based on the following criteria:

Punctuality (10%): Please finish the analysis and composition on time! Projects submitted late
will receive a 5% deduction for each day beyond the due date, to a maximum of the full 10%.

Analysis (15%): Clarity of thought, evidence of understanding the unique characteristics of the
chosen piece, proper use of terminology, and appropriate spelling and grammatical structure.

Cleanliness (15%): Make sure your score is readable, without collisions, and notated correctly.
Don’t forget to include an information page with your score!

Consistency (15%): Does your ensemble include transposing instruments? If so, make sure the
transposition is reflected correctly in both score and parts. Make sure, too, that other parameters
such as notation, special instructions (arco, pizz.), etc. are clear and consistent throughout the
piece.

Creativity (45%): Be thoughtful with your choices in instrumentation, and how you approach
the work! Let ideas materialize and develop, think of form, create a narrative, etc. Consider the
sonic possibilities that your instruments can make as soloists or combinations. The sky’s the
limit!

Gentle Reminders

Information Page
 Instrumentation
o Arranged in score order
o Percussion key/legend, and list of all percussion instruments (if applicable)
o Any auxiliary necessities (mutes, for example)
 Performance Notes
o Transposed Score or Score in C
o Duration
o Any other special notations or instructions
 Program Note (if desired)
 Special spatial arrangement (if desired)

Score
 Music always begins on page 1 (a right-hand page)
 Measure numbers at the beginning of each system or centered below each measure
 Include rehearsal letters or numbers often
 Include transposition and duration again on first page of score
 Include reminders as to what percussion instrument(s) is/are in use (after page turns only)
 Include a copyright! Get in the habit now, even if you’re not an ASCAP or BMI member.