Course Syllabus

MUSC 4130 Commercial Arranging

Course Description

This course focuses on the practical application of composition skills learned in Music Theory I-IV. Emphasis will be placed on the creation of musical arrangements for a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles. Topics of study will include the ranges and colors of instruments and voices and their idiomatic styles. Additional topics will include an emphasis on commercial arranging, alteration, and other forms of musical adaptation and their relation to copyright laws and licensing.

Justification

Arranging courses are typically required of music composition majors throughout the state of Utah and are a standard part of music major degrees at most colleges and universities accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. Courses in commercial arranging are also typically found in commercial music programs throughout the United States.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to write idiomatic and appropriate arrangements for a variety of instrumental and vocal combinations, especially those commonly encountered in commercial music.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of contemporary instrumental and vocal styles as well as all musical terms associated with these styles.
3. Using a variety of compositional techniques, students will compose short works that are easily understood and playable by other musicians.
4. Students will develop skills in various Digital Audio Workstations and notation software

Course Content

Course topics will include instrumental and vocal ranges, idiomatic instrumental styles, melodic interpretation and variation, harmonic and rhythmic backgrounds, music color and texture, copyright law, and commercial music styles and historical practices.