Study Guide

Objective

The student can describe the most important characteristics and roles of musical instruments commonly used in popular music and knows how to write music for them. The student can define the role of an arranger in the creative process and recognizes copyright and financial viewpoints associated with arranging. The student can arrange and orchestrate musical ideas for various band and ensemble line-ups. The student is capable of writing an entire arrangement for a studio orchestra, applying their own artistic vision in a creative manner. The student is able to make analytical observations about arrangements and orchestrations, and can apply the acquired knowledge to their own work. The student knows how to prepare a musical score with parts and a demo recording out of their own arrangements and orchestrations.

Content

Seminar work and completing set assignments. Information on the arranger’s professional life. Common instruments used in popular music, their characteristics and how to write music for them. Writing harmonic textures and orchestration. Specific aspects of music notation from the arranger’s point of view. Creative modification of a musical work. Planning and implementation of an arrangement.

Prerequisites

The student is able to perceive and produce melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, formal, dynamic and timbral phenomena. The student has a command of the essential means of expression in Western musical notation and knows how to apply them to their own music making. The student knows how to use notation software and a digital audio workstation (DAW). The student can analyse the characteristics of different popular music styles. The student knows how to listen to and explore their own music and that of others, analyse it and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music making. The student knows how to work in a group actively and with initiative, and can discuss and give constructive feedback on the contributions of other group members. The student is capable of setting goals for their own activities and making sure they are met as agreed. The student fluently communicates their own music making orally, in writing, and by means of recordings. The student is capable of making high-quality demo recordings of their music.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student is able to follow agreed schedules and submit their assignments on time. The student can work as an active member of the group and give constructive feedback on the contributions of the other group members. The student presents and argues their own contribution to the group as agreed and is able to receive feedback and reflect on their own performance. The student is able to write an arrangement for a studio orchestra and provide the necessary documentation.