Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH Studio Composition I
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Music
Module Code	10 32382
Module Lead	Annie Mahtani
Level	Honours Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites	LH Studio Composition II - (10 32384)
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Tutorial-10 hours Guided independent study-90 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module builds on techniques learned in Studio Composition level C (10 11042). Starting from a group recording session to gather source sound material, classes (nominally fortnightly) focus on techniques of digital sound editing, processing and mixing, together with discussion of compositional and aesthetic issues. The learning process is significantly informed by guided reading and listening. Attendance at the weekly MiniBEAST listening sessions and at Birmingham ElectroAcoustic Sound Theatre events in Birmingham are compulsory components of the course, for which students are required to keep a diary containing critical notes on the works presented; they should therefore avoid scheduling instrumental lessons or committing to any other activities at these times.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Produce good-quality studio-based source sound recordings. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of file structures and of the ways in which the various applications interact. Demonstrate an imaginative and sensitive use of the resources, and critical awareness of how an individual’s compositional processes relate to the wider context of the genre.
Assessment	32382-01 : Composition Study 1 (3.5 minutes) : Coursework (30%) 32382-02 : Learning Journal/Independent reading and listening : Coursework (20%) 32382-03 : Composition Study 2 (3.5 minutes) : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	The assessment for modules 32382 and 32384 is linked. Composition study 3-5 minutes (30%) [normally in Semester 1] Learning journal on MiniBEAST/BEAST events, assigned and independent reading and listening - 1000 words (20%) [normally in Semester 2] Final Assignment (a composition of 7-10 minutes in duration) (50%).[normally in Semester 2] Alternative Assessment for single-semester Exchange students (Semester 1 only). 2 composition studies amounting to 7 minutes (80%) and Learning journal on MiniBEAST/BEAST events, assigned and independent reading and listening - 500 words (20%) The modules are not available to single-semester Exchange students who are only here in Semester 2. Re-assessment: Re-submission of failed component
Other
Reading List