Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title COMPOSITION FOR FILM AND TELEVISION
Code MUSI205
Coordinator Dr AJ Simmons
Music
Andrew.Simmons2@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To deepen the appreciation and critical awareness of music's function when combined with the moving image, through practical composition work. To deepen the understanding of compositional techniques and methods appropriate to the medium. To successfully arrange and orchestrate music in a film and television music context. To extend technical skills in the production and synchronisation of music to picture.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will gain a practical understanding of the relationships between film, TV, video genres—drama, documentary, advert—and music.

(LO2) Students will acquire compositional techniques and methods appropriate to the medium.

(LO3) Students will gain conceptual understanding of the various levels of synchronisation between music and another time-based medium, and how these affect compositional decisions.

(LO4) Students will develop a more precise understanding of the role of orchestration, arranging, sound and production techniques in music that accompanies the moving image.

(LO5) Students will hone skills in music sequencing and production in order to prepare professional level presentation materials.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Organisational skills

(S3) Commercial awareness

(S4) IT skills

(S5) Adaptability

Syllabus
 

A range of topics, concepts and project briefs will be introduced in lectures and workshops held in the computer labs. Students will have the opportunity to test their strategies for dealing with the challenges of a diverse range of video clips during hands-on time in both lectures and practical workshops. Topics will include:
• organising music around a narrative
• synchronising music and moving image
• organising music around dialogue and other sonic elements
• film music analysis and current trends
• thematic development and characterisation
• composing music to a commercial brief

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lectures
Description: Lectures will be held in the computer labs. Concepts and compositional strategies will be introduced with time allocated for hands-on practice.
Teaching Method 2 - Workshops
Description: This will be supervised practice time in the computer labs where staff help and feedback will be available for the weekly exercises. There will also be time devoted to class presentation, discussion and peer feedback of student work in progress.
Teaching Method 3 - Tutorials
Description: One-to-one advising on assignments and work in progress

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

   4

     12

24

 60
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 90
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Submission of original music composed for a given 2–3 mins video. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Sch  0    50       
Submission of a sound-alike track based on a given pre-existing reference track. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment  0    30       
Submission of an original production music track based on a given written brief (not to picture). There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an ano  0    20       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.