Techniques of Music Analysis: Final Year

Please note

This document only provides information for the academic year selected and does not form part of the student contract

School:

School of Arts and Humanities

Credit Rating:

Level (including FHEQ):

H (FHEQ Level 6)

Graded or Non Graded:

Graded

Version Valid From:

2017-06-01

Module Leader:

Steven Jan

Version Number

2022.01

Learning Methods

Seminar

Guided Independent Study

Requirements

Recommended Prior Study

Barred Combinations

Shared Teaching

Synopsis

You are introduced to several current methods for the analysis of tonal and non-tonal music. The leading theory of tonal music, Schenkerism, is introduced and is related to the foundation theories (Fuxian strict counterpoint and the figured-bass tradition of C.P.E. Bach) which preceded it and upon which Schenker built. The free-atonal and serial music of Schoenberg is analyzed using pitch-class set theory and serial theory, respectively. Neo-Riemannian theory, covered in between Schenkerian analysis and atonal/serial analysis, is a bridge between these two broad traditions, affording a method for the analysis (in both tonal and pitch-class set-theoretical terms) of harmonic progressions from the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries, which evidence a move from the tonal world of Schenker to the atonal world of Schoenberg. After consideration of the theoretical basis of these approaches, they are applied to piano and chamber works.

Learning Strategy

Tutor-led seminars in which the exposition of the relevant theories will be related to worked analyses of pieces.Students’ learning will be supported by the University’s VLE, which will contain information about the module and staff involved teaching it, as well as relevant content in Course Documents and Web Sites.

Outline Syllabus

An introduction to Schenkerian analysis (11 weeks).
An introduction to neo-Riemannian theory and pitch-class set theoretical analysis (6 weeks).

An introduction to the analysis of serial music (5 weeks).

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will

have developed an understanding of the fundamental principles of analytical systems developed over the past century, together with more advanced concepts.

have developed the ability to apply analytical systems developed over the past century in order to analyse intermediate-length pieces of piano or chamber music with confidence and insight.

have developed the ability to express ideas cogently and coherently and with an accurate use of English for academic purposes.

Formative Assessment

Assessment 1: Written draft

Summative Assessment

Assessment 1: Project Work

Assessment 2: Project Work

Description:A neo-Riemannian or pitch-class set theoretical or serial analysis of an intermediate-length piano or chamber piece plus a 250-word supporting commentary.

Assessment Weight:50

Assessment Length:2500 Words (Equivalent Word Count)

Module Learning Outcomes:MLO1, MLO2, MLO3

Individual or Group:Individual

Final Assessment Component:Yes

Marked Anonymously:No

Eligible for Tutor Reassessment:Yes

Assessment Criteria

The module will be graded in line with University regulations. The assessment criteria will be those used by the Music subject area, designed in accordance with the appropriate Benchmark document, and promulgated to students in module handbooks and on written work feedback sheets.

Course and Module Catalogue