The module Harmony at the Piano teaches students how to effectively use the piano as a tool for composing and analyzing pieces. The general theory modules provide a solid foundation in music notation, harmony and ear skills. The module Classical Orchestration addresses key aspects of musical theory, including but not limited to: musical analysis, counterpoint, theory of musical form, and twentieth-century music.

Compostion/arrangement technique:
Expanded shaping in rhythm, melody, harmony and formal and esthetic concepts, with reference to the classical and modern repertoire of concert and film music.

Instrumentation and orchestration:
Extended theory and technique of instrumentation and orchestration with reference to the romantic and modern classical repertoire, as well as film music repertoire.

Style and aesthetic:
Detailed analysis of relevant compositions from the classical and modern repertoire of concert and film music, with reference to audio & motion as well as dramaturgical aspects.
Elaborating a sophisticated sense of aesthetic values in relation to film music and autonomous music. Articulating a personal profile in aesthetics.

Individual lessons that, depending on whether the student is studying on-campus or online, take place in a classroom at ArtEZ or in a virtual classroom environment.
In case of a virtual class, the student and the lecturer are in different locations and communicate by seeing, talking and listening to each other equally. The teacher has access to a whiteboard, application sharing, desktop sharing and document sharing and can hand this privilege to the student. Apart from the video conference a high quality stereo audio stream is open at the same time via source connect. That way student and instructor can listen to music from any source and discuss it simultaneously.

Study material depending on the student's current progress and the characteristics of their own compositions.

Organizing performances; studying and recording compositions by the student.
Attending a wide and diverse range of concerts.
Building a network of fellow students and students from other disciplines, which should always include music theatre and BK film students.
International collaborations, largely initiated by student.
Presenting and discussing self-written pieces with fellow students of composition/arranging.
Writing an ensemble work that will be performed by a professional ensemble, such as, but not limited to, the Mating String Quartet.

Examination and assessment

Assessment by the main subject instructor(s) at the end of each block.

Consistency, efficiency, economy of means, practicality, richness, intrinsic persuasiveness, richness, balance, intelligence, motivation, inventiveness, stylistic awareness, imagination, reflection (analysis, presentation), timing, authenticity and diversity.

The student has completed this module if being awarded a minimum grade of 5.5 at the end of the second semester.

At the end of each block the instructor fills out an assessment form designed specifically for this module. Assessment is comprised of a verbal evaluation and a concluding grade. Modules can only be absolved, and ECs awarded, after the end of the spring semester.

See the Education and Assessment Plan.

Module summary

This module is intended to teach students to compose and arrange in different styles/idioms for a range of instrument combinations and to further expand their artistic development. In addition, students learn to navigate in the various domains of applied music. The classes are designed in a per student self-chosen personal mix of film and theatre compositional elements. Good attention is needed to the personal choice process in the main subject. The student also talks about this with the study advisor and will also be encouraged by the latter to actively seek out resources (e.g., main subject teachers) in order to achieve an optimal mix and not miss key aspects due to an information gap.

Main Subject Composition 1

Form / content / level

Examination and assessment

Module summary