Composition Course

An individual’s uniqueness is polished to pave the way for new potential.

Two private lessons are provided to enable the acquisition of a fundamental ability and creativity for music composition.

Fundamental techniques, such as the law of harmony, must be improved, whereas acquiring a variety of methods and knowledge to enhance creativity is important when learning to compose music. This program of study offers two private lessons (50 minutes each) to maximize the capability of each individual student. A student may also freely select an instructor according to his or her objectives.

A curriculum for the systematic learning of music composition techniques, from the 20th century onwards, is established.

A student can acquire traditional techniques up to about the 19th century, such as the law of harmony, or a counterpoint through the two private lessons, however the curriculum does not stop there. Alternatively, the student will also be able to undergo systematic learning for music composition methods from the 20th century onwards. Students learn about a variety of organizations including their songs, chorus, orchestra, wind instrument music and the like, leading them on a path for acquiring their own methods of expression.

The heart is filled with the emotional excitement of having the music of one’s own composition being performed.

Students will be able to present their own musical pieces at recitals held at Silver Mountain in the summer and the Maeda Hall in the winter. Fourth year students can also take the opportunity for presenting their orchestra piece at the recital held in winter. They may also participate in the planning and operation of concerts and grow into persons who are actively engaged in a variety of music production capacities, through various experiences.

  • Double lessons (50 minutes for theory and 50 minutes for technical) offers students an opportunity to learn both written and creative aspects.
  • Students acquire musical terminology and genre, spanning the renaissance to modern times, through elective courses for specialization.
  • Traditions are passed onto the students, while they study then progress to a fusion with a diverse range of musical genres and music synthesized with computers.

Curriculum

Required Courses
  • Musical Composition Techniques Research I to IV
  • Musical Composition Theory Research I to IV
Elective Courses for Specialization
  • Practical Music Skills Practical Training
  • Outline of Orchestral Music
  • Orchestration
  • Transcription and Production of Sound Sources
  • Voice Music Composition Exercises I
  • Voice Music Composition Exercises II
  • Chorus Music Composition Research
  • Musical Scale Research
  • Research on Law of Harmony for 20th Century
  • Research on Rendition for 20th Century
  • Music Composition Techniques for 20th Century I
  • Music Composition Techniques for 20th Century II
  • Music Composition Analysis Research I
  • Music Composition Analysis Research II
  • DAW Exercises I
  • Introduction to Music Programming
  • Max / MSP Exercises
  • Computer Assisted Musical Expression
  • Basic Coding Work
  • Jazz Harmony
  • Hybrid Code / Harmony
  • Advanced Modal Harmony
Elective Courses for Specialization & Liberal Arts Courses (common for all programs)
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