This quarter-long program will investigate the relationship between music composition and music performance. The program structure mixes independent work in music with weekly lectures, seminars, and performance workshops. Students will compose original pieces that explore contemporary compositional techniques and work to improve their performance skills. The program is for experienced composers and performers. It is not a course in songwriting, beat making, or popular music.

The goal of the program is for students to become better composers and performers. To do this, we will have weekly workshops in performance practice, as well as composition forums to review and help the members of the group refine their ideas. Students will work to develop greater understanding of the qualitative aspects of listening and how music “functions” in their lives. We will read texts that deal with established contemporary compositional techniques, such as Techniques of the Contemporary Composer , by David Cope, as well as recent findings related to the effects of music on the body. We will also read texts related to various aspects of performance, such as Integrated Practice , by Pedro de Alcantara. These readings will help students build vocabulary and a broad spectrum of approaches to our work. They will also help us develop useful critical skills. All students will select a topic for a 20-minute formal research presentation that will be presented orally during week 9 as the culmination of their independent work during the quarter. There will be an overnight retreat during which guest musicians will work with the students and share information about their approaches to the creation and performance of music. There will also be a public concert of original pieces at the end of the winter quarter.