EVDIV 151 - Elements of Composition

Daniel Felsenfeld, Dalit Warshaw
This course offers an introduction to the elements of composition and related skills essential to being a professional composer. Compositional technique, form, process, and style will be explored through projects designed to encourage individual creative voice while providing parameters to steer one away from compositional and aesthetic constraints. The diverse nature of these assignments will allow for an array of techniques and styles to be explored without the commitment (and potential onus!) of adopting a single aesthetic. Classes will entail a combination of listening, score analysis and discussion, and the opportunity to present one’s music in a workshop setting. Weekly compositional assignments will be given, which will be read through and critiqued the following class. By the semester’s conclusion, the student will have composed three new works of varying instrumentation, each receiving an in-class reading featuring expert performers from the Juilliard College Division.

This course requires extensive outside preparation. Prerequisites include a strong foundation in Elements of Music Theory and proficiency in notating music by hand. Access to a computer and familiarity with a music software program like Sibelius or Finale are preferred. Prospective students are encouraged to consider taking Elements of Music Theory, Introduction to Ear Training, and/or Keyboard Skills I to enhance their preparation for this course.

This is a yearlong course. Students may join in either fall or spring; however, spring placements are contingent on midyear vacancies. Placement application required.

13 weeks; 0 credits

In Person Sections

Mondays 5:30–7:30pm ET

January 29–May 6

Thursdays 5:30–7:30pm ET

January 25–April 25

Online Section

Wednesdays 5:30–7:30pm ET

January 24–April 24

Thursdays 5:30–7:30pm ET

January 25–April 25

$910 plus $130 musician fee per semester

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