Arranging and OrchestrationLaajuus (5 cr)

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
• can define the role of the arranger in the creative process and recognise the copyright and economic aspects related to arranging
• can arrange and orchestrate musical ideas for various band and ensemble line-ups
• is capable of writing an entire arrangement for a studio orchestra, applying their own artistic vision in a creative manner
• is able to make analytical observations about arrangements and orchestrations, and can apply the acquired knowledge to their own work
• 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
• Knowledge of the arranger's role in the professional world
• Common instruments used in popular music, their characteristics, and writing 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
• Writing an orchestral score in notation

Qualifications

The student
• can identify and produce melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic phenomena, as well as those related to form, dynamics, and timbre
• has a command of the essential means of expression in Western musical notation and knows how to apply them to their own music making
• knows how to use notation software and a digital audio workstation (DAW)
• can distinguish the characteristics of different popular music styles
• can listen to and study their own and others' music and texts analytically and apply the acquired knowledge to their own music-making
• can actively and proactively participate in a group, discuss, and provide constructive feedback on the work of other group members
• is able to set goals for their own activities and ensure they are met as agreed
• can communicate about their music-making fluently, both verbally, in writing, and through recordings
• can prepare high-quality demo recordings of their music.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student
• is able to describe the main features and roles of instruments typically used in popular music and is able to write music for them
• is able to write an arrangement for a studio orchestra and provide all necessary documentation associated with it
• can articulate their own contributions and receive feedback and reflect on their own work
• can work in a goal-oriented manner according to given assignments and schedules
• can proactively participate in a group, discuss, and provide constructive feedback on the work of other group members.