Composing and Improvising 1
Music Pathway
Semester 2 2011-12
Assessment Details


The assessment is in two parts:



I. Portfolio of Compositions 

Submission Dates:
- Composition tasks 1 [suggested emphasis: scales and patterns] and 2 [suggested 
emphasis: metre and pulse] are to be prepared for the relevant workshop (see 
above), and handed in with the rest of your material to the e-centre on the Tuesday of week 13.

- Composition tasks 3 [suggested emphasis: stasis and ostinato] and 4 [suggested 
emphasis: unpitched sounds or graphic scores] are to be prepared for therelevant 
workshop (see above), and handed in with the rest of your material to the e- 
centre on the Tuesday of week 13.

Weighting: 60%

The final mark will be an aggregate mark taken from the four compositions 
completed during the semester.

See this document for more information.

Remember, compositions should reflect around 10-15 hours of effort for each 
composition task.



II. Final Performance (Improvisation) 
Assessment Date: In class during Week 12
Weighting: 40% This assessment will consist of two improvisations:


IMPROVISATION 1 (group):

Firstly, there will be an eight-minute group performance collectively composed, 
rehearsed and performed by a group that has been working together over the 
semester.
Task: Create a piece of music using some of the following distinct material:
- pitched sounds modelled on modes or scales 
- contrasting approaches to metre (e.g. different time signatures) 
- different metres and pulse groups and consider the schemes used in various 
folk musics (e.g. 9 = 2+2+2+3). 
- unmetred piece of music using unpitched sounds. 
- The use of timbre of individual sounds and the way that the timbre of one 
sound relates to another.

Consider using a ternary (ABA') structure. Consider contrasting different ideas 
and approaches to create a rich and diverse performance. You may use computers 
or other electronic devices if you wish. Think carefully about your choice of 
scales and the way that they are deployed throughout the piece.

It is expected that you will rehearse with your group outside of class.

You will be given an individual mark as well as a group mark which will then be 
averaged for each person.

Assessment criteria:
1. Fitting the requirements of the task, including length (neither too short nor too long)
2. Listening and communication
3. Structure, contour and dynamics
4. Variety and extended techniques
5. Performance approach, 'musicality' and attitude
6. Transitions, beginning and ending




IMPROVISATION 2 (assessed individually or as 'integrated performance')

The integrated performance option exists if someone wishes to construct an 'integrated 
performance' (group performance), this is allowed if you run it by me (JW) in 
advance. Everyone in the integrated performance will need to demonstrate their 
ability to solo over a 12-bar blues. Drummers involved in this will still need 
to demonstrate their blues soloing abilities on another instrument (e.g. vibes, 
marimba, piano, guitar, etc.)

Assessment criteria:

1. Fitting the requirements of the task: improvising over a 12-bar blues progression.
2. Demonstration of theoretical knowledge (chords, scales, etc.).
3. Phrasing
4. Quality of integrated performance (where applicable).
5. structure/contour/dynamics
6. Performance approach/'musicality'/attitude
7. Melody or lyrics included?