Department of Music Connections
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Currently the department has in place a set of three research enhancement initiatives which are currently being used to help the student develop basic research skill sets and make application of those skills to more advanced projects in composition, arranging and performance. Some students, due to their particular degree program, will complete three projects and some, depending on major, only two. We believe that the combination of a basic research component in a beginning course with the addition of two or three additional research/creative experiences will provide the necessary framework for continued research and creative projects in the future.
I. MUSM 131 Music in World Cultures (Freshman Experience)
(Introduction to Basic Music Research Project)
Research Project
Purpose of the Activity
This assignment is designed to give each class member an opportunity to develop some basic skills in researching the music of world cultures. Obviously, we can only explore a few of the world’s musical traditions in one semester. The most important things that you should gain from the course are:
• an awareness of the astounding variety of musics from around the globe, and
• the ability to learn more as your own curiosity and academic pursuits, as well as your teaching and performing activities, raise further questions regarding the music of various world cultures.
This research project will allow you to explore some of the resources related to world music that are readily available, giving you a foundation for further study.
Description
Each person will choose a focused topic that has not been dealt with extensively in class.
NOTE: You may not cite any materials that we have already used in class this semester.
1. Briefly (one well written paragraph) describe the musical tradition you are exploring:
a. Nationality/specific culture group (“who”)
b. Geography (“where”)
c. Musical tradition(s) being examined (“what”)
d. Any appropriate specific information such as description of genre, instrument used, cultural context (religious or secular, etc.)
2. (a) Compile a five-item (minimum) listing of audio or video materials related to your topic. CDs and DVDs work well; other sources may be used with discretion.
(b) Compile a bibliography of at least five books or journal articles related to your topic.
You must use a standard bibliographic format for your listing. PLEASE use the format guide provided in class.
3. Compile a listing of five URLs for websites directly related to your topic. In addition to creating a hyperlink by writing out the complete URL, you must also include a brief (two or three sentence) annotation that gives a good summary of each site.
4. Provide photocopies (apx. 2 or 3 pages each) related to your topic from two of the three following sources found in the reference section of the ACU Brown Library:
• Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. 10 volumes.
• World Music: The Rough Guide, vol. 1 and 2.
• The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians
TIMELINE:
• Monday, April 5 — have your topic chosen and approved (in writing)
• Wednesday, April 21 — turn in your project IN TWO FORMATS
1. Hard copy: preferably one page, copied front/back (not including photocopies of pages from reference sources)
2. E-mailed as a Word document attachment to:
II. MUST 432 Orchestration and Arranging (Junior Experience)
(Final Orchestration /Arranging Project)
Semester Experiences Leading to the Final Project:
1. Introduction of all instruments of the orchestra—ranges, limitations, sound qualities available.
2. Introduction of principles of orchestration
3. Introduction of composer software choices available: Sibelius, Finale
4. Introduction to possibilities for score printing, playback, part extractions, etc. in Sibelius and Finale
Final Orchestration Project:
1. Selection of piece to orchestrated – done in conjunction with the teacher
2. Discussion of appropriate ensemble and instruments to be used
3. Completion of the orchestration with checks and comments for improvement by the teacher based on score and electronic playback
4. Print conductor score and parts after final approval
5. Conduct the orchestration project with the band, orchestra, or jazz band (semester end)
III. Senior Recital (All Senior Music Education/Performance Majors)
(Final Creative Activity Project Involving Historical and Stylistic Research/Language Translation)
Senior Project Requirements:
1. Selection of repertoire that displays an understanding of historical styles from a variety of composers to be performed with an hour time frame.
2. Selection of repertoire should demonstrate the very best of the student’s abilities without being too easy or going beyond the capability of the established norms for a quality undergraduate program.
3. Program notes are to be written by the student utilizing research techniques learned through the sophomore and junior experiences.
4. The vocal student must also translate all texts, provide translations for the program, and be able to provide a literal translation for each phrase as it is rehearsed for the recital.
5. The student must learn to work closely with the collaborative pianist in a give and take artistic endeavor.
6. The student and teacher work together to create an unique and creative approach to each piece that is appropriate and stylistically correct.
7. The student must also incorporate excellent stage deportment skills as a part of the recital program.