Note: Your presentation and performance combined should be no longer than 7 - 8 minutes total (6 minute minimum).
Your final project should consist of the following four items:
The schedule for your presentation/performance is now available. The performances will take place during the last three classes of the semester: Wed., April 25th, Fri. April 27th and Mon. April 30th. Your report and composition are not due until April 30th (last class) even if you give your performance at an earlier date.
Timeline of due dates:
Note: You are encouraged to speak with me at any point during the composing and planning process of your work. I would be happy to look at rough drafts of your composition or discuss possible ideas for your piece.
I've never composed before. Where do I begin?
There is no easy answer to this question. First, decide what instrument you are
writing for (eg. piano, voice, violin, tuba, etc.). Are you going to have more
than one part? Your choices may depend on your musical abilities or those of
your peers. Next, try writing a simple melody (say 4 - 8 bars long) by sitting
at the piano and playing the notes. Write your melody down on staff paper.
Is there any obvious symmetry apparent? Do you want there to be?
From here, you could compose a countermelody or play around with your
original to create more music. This is a good place to utilize some of the
ideas we have been discussing regarding musical group theory. Deciding
on the overall structure of the work first may help you in the composing process.
Feel free to come talk with me about your composition.
What are some of the mathematical ideas I could use in my composition?
You could use virtually anything we have discussed this semester from change ringing
to musical group theory to different tuning systems. Some of the
specific mathematical concepts available include symmetry (reflections, translations, rotations),
group theory, permutations, patterns, geometric series and periodicity (sine waves.)
There are probably others as well.
How will I be graded on this project? What if my piece sounds terrible?
First of all, music sounds differently to different people. Just as with art or literature,
what can be incredibly moving to one person may have little effect on another.
This is not a popularity contest nor are we voting as in American Idol.
You will be graded on your ability to complete the assignment. If you fulfill
all four requirements listed above (piece, performance, presentation and report),
then you will do fine. The goal here is to be creative! Use your imagination
and use some of the mathematics you've learned this semester.
Should I practice my piece beforehand?
You bet! If you are not performing, make sure that the person or people who are have
rehearsed beforehand. Part of the challenge of this assignment will be to get it organized so
that your performance goes off smoothly. For example, if you have more than one performer, you will have
to write out the music for each part, find time for them to get together and practice, make sure
they can be at class for your scheduled performance, etc.
This takes extra time and planning! Another good reason to practice is
that your piece must be no longer than 6 minutes, so a run-through beforehand is a good way to
judge the length of your performance.