For the final project you will have a chance to present on a piece of your choice. I’ve modeled this assignment to be a lot like what I have strived to do with each of the pieces that we’ve talked about in class already: set it up, explain why it’s cool, point out what to listen for, and play the piece. The project will be worth a total of 100 points. The exact breakdown and instructions
for each section is listed below. Please note there are slightly different specifications for the group project vs. the solo project. The group project has slightly more time and is required to write a paper. It is hoped by doing this, it will make the options more equal in workload.
You can use any presentation format you wish but I advise having a backup plan just in case. Technology will always fail. Plan accordingly. I’ll be in the classroom early to allow you to test/set up your presentations but it is always a good idea to practice them beforehand.
I’m really looking forward to listening to these presentations! If at any point in this process you need help or get stuck please feel free to ask me. I’m happy to help in any way possible!
Solo presentations must be at least 8 min and no more than 12.
Background and history of the piece (not all of these will apply) (20 pts)
How does this piece fit into history? Does it exemplify the age it was written in or was it a rule breaker? Explain.
How does this piece fit into the composer’s life? What was going on personally for the composer when it was written? Does it represent a significant shift in styles or some other groundbreaking career event? You do not need to talk about the composer’s biography if we have already covered it in class, however if we haven’t talked about the composer yet, include a few biographical details.
Why is it significant? Why do you want to discuss it? Why should we like it? (20 pts)
A lot of music has been written over the years. Why are we still talking about this piece? What drew you to it? Why did you want to share it with the class?
What are we/should we be listening to? (20 pts)
Ideas to include here are main themes/motives, orchestration techniques, interesting harmonies, etc. Often times Wikipedia, the New Grove Dictionary, or program notes from recordings or orchestras can help you with this. Generic google searches are also helpful (be beware of your sources). If you get stuck on this section I’m happy to help point you in the right direction. Clips (10 pts)
Set them up, play a long enough clip we can get an understanding of the piece and hear what you talked about in the above sections. The clip MUST BE FROM A PROFESSIONAL ENSEMBLE. You cannot play your high school/middle school/family/midi/keyboard or other non-professional group. You must also play a clip for the ensemble it was originally composed for. In other words, no piano reduction, cool psychedelic synthesizer version, boom whackers, etc. If it was written for orchestra, play an orchestra. If it was written for piano, play a piano version.
A downloadable handout posted on the discussion board in Canvas (20 pts)
This handout should cover the background and history portion you talked about, the why is it significant, and what are/should we be listening to. You can also include things you didn’t have time to cover, or clips/time stamps for additional portions you think we should listen to. Include all sources used for the presentation on the handout somewhere. Handout must be in pdf format.
List of three recordings you recommend and why (10 pts)
Can be done in a ppt slide, included on the handout, or as part of the presentation
A good recording can make all the difference in whether or not you like the piece. Listen to lots of different examples of them and see which one you like the best. There are no wrong answers, but I am also curious to hear the why behind your decisions so please explain that. The same criteria exists for this section as for the clips section above.