Arranging for Popular Music
Credit points
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Prerequisites
Co-requisites
(Corequisite units must be studied concurrently with this unit)
Overview
This unit focuses on the principles and techniques of arranging for popular music. Students are introduced to: the characteristics of musical instruments including synthesizers; idiomatic writing as part of the arranging process; blend, balance and voicing; melodic and harmonic embellishment; form and structure; timbre and texture; and dynamic and spectral contour. Students analyse and critique these techniques in a selection of exemplary works and relevant texts and then produce and perform the techniques in illustrative arrangement contexts.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Analyse, critique and assess different arranging techniques across a variety of styles and genres of music;
- Explain how issues and problems of arranging affect different musical outcomes in a range of social contexts;
- Apply an understanding of idiomatic phenomena connected with arranging different musical instruments; and
- Produce and perform arrangements for various popular music forms.
Assessment
For Melbourne campuses
Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 25%
Theory and aural exercises
Assessment type: Creative Works | Grade: 30%
Production of song arrangements
Assessment type: Performance | Grade: 25%
Performance of song arrangements
Assessment type: Exercise | Grade: 20%
Analysis of song arrangements
Required reading
Learning materials will be provided via VU Collaborate.
As part of a course
This unit is not compulsory for any specific course. Depending on the course you study, this unit may be taken as an elective.