Arranging Core

Department
Contemporary Writing and Production (CWP)

The arranging core, in combination with ear training, harmony, conducting, tonal harmony and counterpoint, and music technology courses, will provide you with a broad-based musical vocabulary, important skills for your major studies, and a well-rounded musical background. Every entering student is placed into arranging courses based on the proficiencies, skills, and knowledge demonstrated on the arranging section of the Entering Student Proficiency Assessment.

For more writing and arranging information, also see the Glossary of Terms Used and Recommended Reading List.

Entrance Requirements

Required of all students. Students must take PW-111: Music Application and Theory or earn a satisfactory placement score on the Entering Student Placement Assessment (ESPA) to take AR-111.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will:

  1. Develop a practical understanding of the concepts and techniques of writing for rhythm section with and without a lead-line instrument of voice in a variety of contemporary musical styles;
  2. Notate music both by hand and with notation software;
  3. Analyze scores;
  4. Develop high-level harmonic and voicing skills to produce arrangements;
  5. Explore the use and integration of MIDI technology and sequencing as they relate to rhythm section and lead-line writing;
  6. Incorporate combinations of acoustic, electronic, and MIDI instruments into music writing projects; and
  7. Synthesize various contemporary musical styles and the musical concepts that comprise them, including writing from the "bottom up" (groove-driven) and "top down" (working with a melody in a lead instrument or voice).
Curriculum and Courses