Musical theory and creativity

HUM-274 / 2 credits

Teacher: Rohrmeier Martin Alois

Language: English

Remark: Une seule inscription à un cours SHS+MGT autorisée. En cas d'inscriptions multiples elles seront toutes supprimées sans notification.

Summary

This course provides an introduction into music theory and analysis, composition, and creativity, and combines theoretical teaching with hands-on practical exercises and music making.

Content

The connection between music, mathematics and the mind is ancient and reaches back to the very roots of human culture. Throughout history muisc has been explored in a large variety of musical forms and structures. In this course, we will delve into core concepts of music theory, mathematics and cognition as well as broader questions about aesthetics, creativity, and philosophy, as well as the interplay of art, discovery and formal systems.

 

Musical theory and practice need to be linked in order to ground each other, and hence this class combines theoretical and practical parts. On the theoretical side, core concepts from fundamental and advanced music theory will be taught and contextualized in overarching debates. On the practical side, students will learn and try different musical techniques and apply their theoretical knowledge in practical individual or group exercises.

 

Every year a different aspect will be at the main focus. This will be announced at the lab¿s website ahead of the class: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/dcml/

 

A practical musical background is recommended for this class (if you are unsure, ask before the class).

 


Keywords

Music, music theory and analysis, computational musicology, creativity, composition, improvisation, musical practice

 

POLY-perspective :

  • creative perspective
  • interdisciplinary perspective

https://www.epfl.ch/schools/cdh/cdhs-vision/

 

 

 

Learning Prerequisites

Important concepts to start the course

Prior knowledge of score reading and music theory (harmony & counterpoint) is desirable, but the class can be completed without.

A good start for a background in basic music theoretical concepts is provided by the literature below as well as:

 

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Apply musical theoretical concepts
  • Analyze musical pieces and performances
  • Use practical musical techniques
  • Contextualise musical principles and aesthetic outccomes
  • Apply and broaden listening and appraisal skills
  • Critique musical pieces and performances
  • Compose musical phrases and pieces

Transversal skills

  • Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
  • Summarize an article or a technical report.
  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
  • Use a work methodology appropriate to the task.

Teaching methods

Weekly sessions including ex-cathedra lecturing, readings and discussion, group work, and practical exercises.

Expected student activities

1.     Regular presence and active participation in discussions
2.     Completing readings and assignments, and practicing the music theoretical and practical concepts
3.     Engagement in practical parts and exercises

Assessment methods

1.     Active participation in the class
2.     Class project, essay, presentation or final exam on the concepts covered in the class

Supervision

Office hours Yes
Assistants Yes
Forum Yes

Resources

Bibliography

The following general texts are a good starting point. Further specialized literature will be suggested throughout the class.

 

Aldwell, E., Schachter, C. & Cadwallader, A. (2018). Harmony and voice leading. Cengage Learning.
Boosey & Hawkes; or: Laitz, S.G. (2003). The complete musician: an integrated approach to tonal harmony, analysis, and listening. Oxford University Press.Gauldin, R. (1997). Harmonic Practice in Tonal Music. New York: Norton.
Hofstadter, D. (1979). Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid. Basic Books, New
York, 1979.
Hallam, S., Cross, I., & Thaut, M. (Eds.). (2011). Oxford handbook of music psychology. Oxford University Press.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 60
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Musical theory and creativity
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: mandatory
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 60
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Musical theory and creativity
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Number of places: 60
  • Exam form: During the semester (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Musical theory and creativity
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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