Courses / Module

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand, recall and apply basic instrumental characteristics and technique for standard orchestral instruments and voices.
• Recognise, understand and apply basic doubling and blending techniques in orchestration/arrangement.
• Understand and apply good notational practice in producing musical scores.
• Render a short piano sketch for ensemble.
• Produce basic mock-ups of musical scores.

• Weekly lectures (2 hours); ad hoc instrumental workshops/readthroughs

Delivery methods	Hours
Lectures	20
Labs / Practicals	2
Tutorials	0
Planned learning activities	3
Independent student activities	100
Total	125

• Module Graded (numeric value) or Ungraded (Pass/Not Passed): Graded
• Continuous Assessment detail(s): One reduction exercise, one arrangement exercise and one final orchestration assignment.
• Other detail(s): Final orchestration assignment including the production of an audio mock-up using virtual instruments.

Assessment type	Options	Weighting	Duration
Continuous Assessment		50%
University scheduled written examination	No	0%
Other		50%
Total		100%

• Pass standard: 40%
• Could the result of this module be capped? No
• Penalties: The Department of Music regards deadlines as absolute and operates a system of penalties for late submission. See the Department Undergraduate Handbook for full details.

• Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes
• The reduction/arrangement exercises are considered continuous assessment and may not be resubmitted. Only the final orchestration can be resubmitted in the Autumn Supplemental Examination Period. Students are expected to contact the module coordinator directly in the event of requiring resubmission. Work presented for the first time in the Autumn Supplemental Examination Session will be capped at 40% in the absence of fully proven mitigating circumstances.

Black, Dave: Essential Dictionary of Orchestration: Ranges, General Characteristics, Technical Considerations & Scoring Tips (Alfred, 1999)

Debussy, Claude: Three Great Orchestral Works in Full Score (Dover Orchestral Scores): Prélude a l'Après-Midi d'Un Faune, Nocturnes, La Mer (Dover, 2009)

 

More advanced reference can be had in either of the following publications:

Adler, Samuel: The Study of Orchestration (3rd or 4th edition, W.W. Norton, 2002/2016)

Piston, Walter: Orchestration (W.W. Norton, 1955)

For a full timetable search, go to NUIM Timetable. Venue locations can be found here.