Composition

OBJECTIVES

The specialisation of Composition is aimed at training students in the technique and craft of musical writing. Without forgetting the importance of the knowledge of tradition, it is based on a particularly transversal vision of creative act, providing the student with tools in an environment open to the development of multiple sensibilities, concerns and aesthetics. The diversity of languages that coexist in the centre is reflected in the syllabus of this bachelor’s degree, which places special emphasis on the knowledge of jazz harmony, flamenco rhythm, arrangements for Big Band, etc. Our students regularly work with ensembles such as CrossingLines, Barcelona Clarinet Players or the Gerhard Quartet, as well as with institutions such as CONSMUPA (Oviedo) or Musikene (San Sebastián).

Our teaching staff is made up of renowned and active composers. Under a personalised tutorship, students will be able to create their own itinerary according to their own creative criteria:

• modern music (for jazz big band or different instrumental ensembles)
• classical and contemporary music (symphonic orchestra, chamber music)
• as well as music creation in support of the performing arts, plastic arts, audiovisuals, etc.

In order to make these musical projects reality, the Taller de Músics has agreements with orchestras and other instrumental formations. On the other hand, our Management & Productions department offers an ideal framework for the professional development of students of the Composition specialisation.

STUDENT PROFILE

Access to higher artistic education requires the fulfilment of certain academic preconditions of which passing a specific access test that should, taking the subsequent management of the admission procedure into consideration, be completed enough time ahead prior to the start of the academic year. The specific access test allows to assess the students’ attainment levels of the abilities and competences necessary to be admitted to higher education.

Applying for the Bachelor of Music: requirements, calendar, sample tests…

Specialisation in Composition

The profile of the student who accesses studies with specialisation in Composition is that of a student who knows styles, historical periods and representative formations. The student must be able to recognise habitual forms, both auditively and through a score, and to place himself rhythmically and harmonically. They must know how to use musical notation to write and read. They must also show a basic knowledge of instrumentation, counterpoint, and choral music and show a predisposition to relate knowledge, skills, and abilities to build music. They must also be able to develop their own work strategies in order to overcome academic or practical challenges and to be able to express artistic opinions and appraisals in a respectful and coherent manner.

SYLLABUS

The syllabus of the Bachelor in Music consists of 4 academic courses of 60 ECTS credits each, distributed across subjects of different categories:

• Basic training subjects: These are subjects of culture, thought, history, language and techniques of music.
• Compulsory specialisation subjects: They are subjects of instrument or voice, complementary instrumental training, ensemble music, improvisation, composition, pedagogy,  production and management.
• Optional subjects: They complement the training with a range of different subjects.
• Final Project (TFG).

The assignment of credits for each subject includes the hours corresponding to the lective classes, hours of study, the realisation of works, practices, projects and the preparation of examinations and evaluation tests.

FIRST YEAR

SECOND YEAR

THIRD YEAR

FOURTH YEAR

TEACHING PLANS

Consult the teaching plans for all subjects

FINAL PROJECT (TFG)

In order to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music, it is necessary to prepare and publicly defend a final work, which is a direct outcome of what has been learned. This is the writing of a project with a set of explanations, theories, ideas or reasoning on a specific subject that should even more be put into practice in the form of a concert or performance key.

The student must demonstrate the ability to apply the acquired knowledge and know how to communicate conclusions, knowledge and theories on which it is based. The TFG must communicate the results or conclusions reached in the study of a subject in an organised, formal, clear and precise way, as well as the methodology used, the process followed, the documents consulted etc. In short, it is a question of transmitting that is most important.

Career opportunities

By the end of their studies, Composition graduates will be equipped to create music with a unique and versatile voice, mastering a wide range of musical languages and their technical, theoretical, aesthetic, and historical foundations.

They will be prepared to work in stage, audiovisual, digital, and multidisciplinary settings, using technology as a creative and production tool. They will also develop a critical perspective on artistic creation and gain the skills needed to analyse, communicate, and carry out research based on solid humanistic and methodological training.

Possible career paths:

• Film and television
• Advertising
• Video games
• Theatre and musicals
• Digital platforms
• Sound branding
• Artists and bands
• Research and teaching

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE BACHELOR OF MUSIC

Click on the links below to get further information about how to apply to Bachelor of Music, academic calendar, tutorial action plan, scholarships and funding, credit recognition, mobility programmes, Internal Quality Assurance System (SGIC), student card…

General Information about the Bachelor of Music

Other links of interest:

Applying for the Bachelor of Music: requirements, calendar, sample tests…

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