Note: Your presentation and performance combined should be no longer than 8 - 9 minutes total (7 minute minimum). It is very important to heed this time limit so we can schedule all the performances during class time.
Your final project should consist of the following four items:
The schedule for your presentation/performance is available here.
The performances will take place in Brooks Concert Hall on Mon., April 30 and Wed., May 2,
and will conclude in Hogan 514 (the choir room) on Fri., May 4.
Your report and actual composition are not due until May 4
even if you give your performance at an earlier date.
Timeline of Due Dates and Presentations:
In-class Work: We will devote several classes specifically toward working on your composition. On April 18, you will pair up with a classmate and share your description of your piece as well as some of its music. We will play a few examples in class and provide constructive feedback. On April 23, half the class will give brief presentations about their pieces, possibly including some of their music written thus far. On April 25, the other half of the class will give presentations. Time will be allotted for feedback. These two days are also intended to give you practice speaking in front of the class.
The Composition Itself: You are require to turn in your composition on staff paper. You can write it by hand or you can use one of the many computer programs available to assist you. One good, free option is the program MuseScore which is easy to use and has the additional bonus feature of playing back your composition so you can hear what you've composed. The music department has a few copies of Sibelius, a leading, user-friendly software program that also allows you to hear your piece as you compose it. However, there are only two computers in the music library that have the software. I have been using the free software Lilypond which is fairly simple to use (on a PC or a Mac), although familiarity with a computer programming language would be helpful.
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(s) you are
writing for (e.g., piano, voice, violin, tuba, percussion, etc.). Are you going to have more
than one part? Your choice 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 counter-melody or play around with your
original to create more music. This is a good place to utilize some of the
ideas we have discussed regarding musical group theory. Deciding
on the overall structure of the work first may help you in the composing process.
Be sure to be conscious of your rhythm, which, if used effectively, can bring your work alive.
Note: Variety in tempo, rhythm, dynamics, tonality, feeling, etc., is a great way to make your piece come alive. Be sure to think about the overall structure of your piece. How do you musically distinguish different sections of your piece?
What are some of the mathematical ideas I could use in my composition?
You could use virtually anything we have discussed this semester: musical group theory,
change ringing, 12-tone music, magic squares, minimalism, the golden section, etc. Some of the
specific mathematical concepts available include symmetry (reflections, translations, rotations),
group theory, permutations, patterns, phasing, creative use of rhythm, the Fibonacci sequence, etc.
How will I be graded on this project? What if my piece sounds terrible?
First of all, music sounds different 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 for our favorites as in American Idol.
You will be graded on your ability to complete the assignment and on the way you
incorporate mathematics into your music. 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/year.
Should I practice my piece beforehand?
You bet! You should plan to rehearse several times before the actual performance.
Practice, practice, practice! Treat this as a performance, because it is!
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 organizing effectively to ensure
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 repeatedly is
that your piece must be no longer than 6 - 7 minutes, so a run-through beforehand is a good way to
judge the length of your performance.
What should I wear?
Look nice! This is a performance and you should dress accordingly. Even if you are not performing your piece,
you are still giving a brief presentation beforehand. What you wear effects the quality of your performance
and presentation. Be sure to take a bow after your piece is finished! Also, you are welcome to invite friends,
peers, Montserrat mates, family, etc. to your performance.