Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijk Conservatorium van Antwerpen
Composition - including forums and literature study 441294/3503/2526/1/79
Study guide

Composition - including forums and literature study 4

41294/3503/2526/1/79
Academic year 2025-26
Is found in:
  • Educational Master of Arts in Music & Performing Arts
    Choice option within specialisation:
    • Composition within Music
  • Master of Arts in Music
    Specialisation:
    • Composition
  • Master of Arts in Music, programme stage 4
    Specialisation:
    • Composition
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 21 credits
Co-ordinator: Van Camp Bram (dut,eng)
Other teaching staff: Coppens Mathias, Prengels Steven
Languages: Dutch, English
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: 630,00 hours

Prerequisites

previously registered for Composition - including forums and literature study 3.

Learning outcomes (list)

1.2 The student masters the internationally used stylistic performance practice standards.
The student demonstrates a broad understanding of the internationally-demanded standards and is able to apply these independently.
1.4 The student makes music in an artistic project in a creative manner.
The student presents a portfolio in which the acquired learning outcomes are demonstrated using a quantity of works (which has been agreed with the teacher) in various genres and settings.
2.1 The student has thoroughly mastered musical parameters and structures.
The student thoroughly masters musical parameters and displays mature harmonic understanding and analytical thinking-skills.
2.5m The student is aware of the technical and technological developments within his or her discipline.
The student can use contemporary technology for his or her artistic trajectory.
The student can position him- or herself in an intercultural and international context.
The student clearly demonstrates a personal stylistic stance which shows itself in his or her portfolio.
4.2 The student has acquired a critical and inquiring attitude.
The student masters elementary research competencies.

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

- Specialized journals & literature
- Websites related to professional literature and research in the field
- Books, newspaper articles, videos, DVDs, CDs related to the field of study
- Access to final projects and master's theses from previous years

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Artistic praxis60,00 hours
Work time outside of contact hours570,00 hours

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
1st examination periodPortfolio70,00Part 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 periodArtistic educative project assignment15,00Part Literatuurstudie
2nd examination periodArtistic skills assessment during the examination series70,00Part 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