COURSE SYLLABUS Course # X 483.2 Discipline: Music Course Title: Advanced Orchestration: Applied Techniques for the Studio and Scoring Stage Reg. # W3107 Units: 4 Quarter/Yr: Spring 2011 Day/Time: Thursday, 7-10 pm Dates: 3/31-6/16 Location: Hollywood: Musician s Union Local 47 Instructor: Thom Sharp Instructor contact: thom@thomsharpmusic.com Course Description: Participants write short orchestrations, to be performed and recorded by professional studio musicians, for the four instrument families of the orchestra: strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Detailed lectures cover the most effective use of each instrument of each family in solo, soli, and ensemble situations. Voicing, texture, balance, blend, highlighting, and the use of orchestral effects are thoroughly discussed and then demonstrated in student Models from masterworks are assigned to the students for their orchestrations when applicable. The evolution of the orchestration over the course of a piece is given special consideration in lectures and demonstrations. For the final assignment, each student must compose, arrange, and orchestrate a one-minute piece of music for a full chamber orchestra. Prerequisite: Knowledge of notation and music theory, experience in music composition, and X 483.43 Orchestration I: Introduction to Instrumentation and Orchestral Usage, or consent of instructor. Goals & Objectives: Students will work toward writing clear, precise orchestrations that are easily understood and playable for the musician, make use of the strengths and unique qualities of each instrument while avoiding weaknesses, and communicate clear musical ideas to the audience. Required Readings: Reading materials necessary for the class will be provided on a weekly basis on Blackboard Recommended Readings:
Orchestration by Adler The Orchestration Handbook by Don Ray (ISBN: 0634013114) Orchestral Bowing by James Kjelland Principles of Orchestration by Rimsky Korsakov Orchestration by Cecil Forsyth The History of Orchestration by Adam Carse Any and all Dover Scores (especially Romantic and later) Recommended Software Computer-based Sequencer (any pro-quality) Instructor uses Logic Computer-based notation program (any pro-quality) Instructor uses Sibelius Note: It is possible to do this class without the use of computer software (the industry thrived for years without computers), HOWEVER, if a student is serious about this industry, use and knowledge of these tools will be essential to his/her career. The instructor will demonstrate techniques using the above- mentioned software when applicable to the course but will acknowledge and reference other software in common use. Grading: Course grades will be based the on the completion of exams, assignments, and classroom participation as follows: Breakdown of the weight for each component of the final grade: String Orchestration Assignment #1: 15 % Woodwind Orchestration Assignment #2: 15 % Brass Orchestration Assignment #3: 15 % Percussion Orchestration Assignment #4: 15 % Final Chamber Orchestra Assignment #5: 20 % Attendance/Punctuality: 10 % Participation: 10 % Letter Grade % A (90-100%) B (80-89%) C (70-79%) D (60-69%) F (<59%) A grade of C or better is considered a passing grade. Certificate students must take 400 level courses for a grade. For each writing assignment students are expected to show up on time to record their assignment with the musicians hired to play them. This is a course designed to mimic real world commercial conditions. Late means not at all in the commercial world where time is money. As such,
attendance on the recording dates will be part of the assignment grade and not figured into the attendance portion. If a recording date is missed the student cannot receive more than 20% credit for the assignment. Know your classmates so that if something happens that you cannot be there, you are able to arrange for your chart to be there. Plan ahead. Please note that ALL COURSE GRADES ARE FINAL. Information about Incompletes: The interim grade Incomplete may be assigned when a student's work is of passing quality, but a small portion of the course requirements is incomplete for good cause (e.g. illness or other serious problem). It is the student s responsibility to discuss with the instructor the possibility of receiving an I grade as opposed to a non-passing grade. The student is entitled to replace this grade by a passing grade and to receive unit credit provided they complete the remaining coursework satisfactorily, under the supervision of and in a time frame determined by the instructor in charge, but in no case later than the end of the next academic quarter. At that time, the Registrar will cause all remaining Incompletes to lapse to the grade "F". Note: Receiving an I does not entitle a student to retake all or any part of the course at a later date. Student Behavior involving cheating, copying other s work, and plagiarism are not tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. Students are responsible for being familiar with the information on Student Conduct in the General Information Section of the UCLA Extension Catalog or on the website at www.uclaextension.edu COURSE OUTLINE Date/Topic Assignments Readings Week One: 3/31 Introduction Orchestration for Strings Arranging (general) Complete short quiz on proper notation and basic orchestration techniques. Download assigned materials from Blackboard for Week 1. Brush up on basic string orchestration techniques and be prepared to discuss. Week Two: 4/7 Orchestration for Strings Arranging Notation Issues Assignment of String Orchestra Orchestrations Week Three: 4/14 Play and Record String Orchestra Orchestrations Week Four: 4/21 Woodwind Lecture Review/refine arranging and notation issues as needed Write 3 orchestrations of assigned tunes string orchestra. Models and tunes will be available on Blackboard and the discuss the string orchestrations. Complete woodwind writing assignment dealing with placement of secondary musical ideas. Refer to available texts on string orchestration as necessary to complete assignment. necessary. necessary. Download woodwind orchestration examples and audio file.
Week Five: 4/28 Woodwind lecture and orchestration assignment necessary. Week Six: 5/5 Play and record woodwind Week Seven: 5/12 Review/refine arranging and notatin issues as needed. Brass lecture and orchestration assignment Week Eight: 5/19 Play and record brass Week Nine: 5/26 Percussion and harp lecture and orchestration assignment Week Ten: 6/2 Play and record percussion/harp Week Eleven: 6/9 Write 2 orchestrations of assigned tunes woodwinds. Models and tunes will be available on Blackboard and the discuss the woodwind orchestrations. Write 2 orchestrations of assigned tunes brass. Models and tunes will be available on Blackboard and the discuss the brass orchestrations Write 2 orchestrations of student or existing tunes for percussion and harp. Models and tunes will be available on Blackboard if students need a guide. Prepare score and parts according to guidelines presented in the lecture and the notes. discuss the percussion/harp orchestrations Write a 1minute piece for orchestra incorporating techniques explored in class. Prepare score and parts according to guidelines presented in the lecture and the notes. Putting it all together lecture. Write a 1minute piece for orchestra incorporating techniques explored in class. Prepare score and parts according to guidelines presented in the lecture and the notes. Read up on brass ranges and Download brass examples and audio. Read up on brass ranges and Read up on percussion and harp ranges and Download percussion and harp material from Blackboard. Download final orchestration guidelines for class discussion. Download final orchestration guidelines for class discussion
Week Twelve: 6/16 Play and record final orchestra assignments.