Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijk Conservatorium van Antwerpen
Composition - including forums and literature study 341291/3445/2526/1/92
Study guide

Composition - including forums and literature study 3

41291/3445/2526/1/92
Academic year 2025-26
Is found in:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Music, programme stage 3
    Choice option within specialisation:
    • Composition within Compostion
  • Bridging Programme Composition
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 24 credits
Co-ordinator: Van Camp Bram
Other teaching staff: Coppens Mathias, Prengels Steven
Languages: Dutch
Scheduled for: Academic year
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 01.12.2025 (Academic year)
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 720,00 hours

Prerequisites

previously registered for Composition - including forums and literature study 2 OR (previously registered for Composition 2 (part 2 of 2)).

Learning outcomes (list)

1.2 The student can make music in various styles.
The student demonstrates broad understanding of the internationally used stylistic standards and independently applies these.
1.4 The student is musically creative.
The student can use modern technology for his or her artistic journey.
The student presents a portfolio in which the acquired learning outcomes are demonstrated using a quantity of works in various genres and settings which has been agreed with the teacher.
The student develops an original musical vision.
The student is motivated by artistic drive.
1.5 The student engages in a musical confrontation with the audience.
The student demonstrates musical maturity and develops this in an independent manner.
2.1 The student masters the musical parameters and structures.
The student further develops his or her mastery of the musical parameters (such as form, rhythm, melodic line, dynamics, articulation).
The student knows the musical parameters in-depth and shows broad harmonic understanding and analytical thinking skills.
The student functions in an intercultural and international context.
The student clearly displays a personal stylistic stance which is addressed in his or her portfolio.
4.2 The student possesses the correct tools to carry out research.
The student masters basic research competencies.
4.5 The student works in a methodical way with a problem-solving attitude.
The student demonstrates progress and potential for growth.

Course content

Composition
Read the study guide. The course of composition focuses on personal expression and brings together all the other main courses (harmony and counterpoint, analysis, orchestration, etc.) in the creation of new compositions. 
Composition classes consist of both individual coaching and reflection in small groups where sketches and compositions by the student are analysed and discussed on a weekly basis. Students are encouraged to adopt an inquisitive attitude to further develop their personal language. In composition classes, the focus is on what the young composer wishes to express and resources are provided to realise these personal goals professionally.
Students are expected to actively participate in various projects (inside and/or outside the school) where their music can be rehearsed and performed.

Forums and literature study
Read the study guide. Group classes are organised regularly (literature study) where students are introduced to the main music literature from the twentieth century onwards, the main composers and their compositional techniques within historical context.
At forums, students are introduced to guest speakers: composers, performers, musicologists, researchers, etc. Students are stimulated to (self)reflection in these activities.

Study material (text): Mandatory

Students will provide their own materials necessary to realise their compositional ambitions.
A laptop and software for music notation in addition to (music) paper and pencils are recommended.

Study material (text): Recommended

Scores
Books
Magazines
Internet
Recordings

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Artistic praxis60,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours660,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodPortfolio70,00Concerns the part composition.
The student must achieve a minimum of 50% in all tests in order to pass the entire course unit.
1st examination periodReflection assignment during the examination series15,00Part Forums
1st examination periodReflection assignment during the examination series15,00Part Literature Study
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodPortfolio70,00Concerns the part composition. The student must achieve a minimum of 50% in all tests in order to pass the entire course unit.
2nd examination periodReflection assignment during the examination series15,00Part Forums
2nd examination periodReflection assignment during the examination series15,00Part Literature Study