20th-Century Compositional Techniques

This is a workshop in the art of composition with a focus on 20th-century techniques. We will discuss recent compositional techniques and philosophies, as well as issues in orchestration and notation. We will explore significant works by a wide variety of major 20th-century composers, such as Bartók, Berio, Cage, Carter, Debussy, Ligeti, and Stravinsky, as well as recent compositions by established and emerging composers across the world. These works will serve as models for original student compositions. It is expected that the students will develop a fluency in using either Finale or Sibelius. Students should have completed Theory I: Materials of Music or its equivalent.