Module Code - Title:
MD6261
-
CREATING FOR THE VOICE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will introduce students to a variety of practices and approaches for composing and arranging for the voice. The module has been designed for composers and creative musicians who want to acquire and/or develop their understanding of the human voice and how it can be approached creatively.
Syllabus:
To introduce students to a variety of principles, practices and approaches regarding the composition and arrangement for voice. To equip students with the analytical and compositional tools necessary to conceive original works as well as arrange existing music for solo voice, mixed vocal ensembles as well as for voice(s) in the context of mixed instrumental ensembles.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Identify a range of approaches to vocal composition and arrangement. Demonstrate an ability to apply compositional principles and procedures to the creating and arranging of works for the voice in various contexts that include, solo, mixed vocal ensemble and mixed instrumental ensemble.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Differentiate between various cultural approaches to creating and arranging for the voice.
Be sensitive to the needs and values of others when working with them in the performance of the created/arranged works.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught by various resident and visiting faculty who are professional creative artists. This includes composers, singers and improvisers. Material will be taught using traditional and contemporary methods of composing and arranging as well as more experimental forms that are currently being developed. As the module deals directly with creative practices, it aims to stimulate and develop creativity and collaboration/dialogue between composers and performers, as well as to equip the students with the necessary knowledge to become articulate vocal music creators.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Barker, P. (2004)
Composing for voice : a guide for composers, singers, and teachers
, New York : Routledge
Hines, R. S., (2001)
Choral Composition: A Handbook for Composers, Arrangers, Conductors, and Singers
, Greenwood Press
Anhalt, I. (2014)
Alternative Voices: Essays on Contemporary Vocal and Choral Composition
, University of Toronto Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Ferneyhough, B. (1989)
Speaking with tongues. Composing for the voice: a correspondence-conversation. In Contemporary Music Review, Vol. 5 pp. 155-183.
, Hardwood Academic Publishers GmbH.
Joyce, J., Hobbs, F. and Joyce, B (1990)
Scoring for voice: a guide to writing vocal arrangements
, Alfred Music Publishing.
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MARCSOTFA - RITUAL CHANT AND SONG
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
Oscar.Mascarenas@ul.ie