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Arranging and Orchestration methods:a model text for post secondary courses.

Through the researcher's experience and informal discussions with other pedagogues working in tertiary music environments, the researcher was of the opinion that there is currently not a comprehensive arranging/orchestration method book that could be used exclusively as a course text in post-secondary arranging courses. While there are numerous published method books available, they are generally produced in North America and do not address all the needs of an arranging/orchestration course. The aim of the research was to find what are the constituent parts and theoretical underpinnings of a model Arranging course text book. Also, to find what materials are currently being used by lecturers and teachers throughout Australasian universities, colleges and other institutions for the delivery of arranging (and/or orchestration) courses, and if these materials differ from those used in North America. Of interest are the assumptions made in the background knowledge of the students entering these courses from upper-secondary level or otherwise and if this project can assist students making the transition. Finally, is there potential to have a standard text published in Australia, what are the important elements that should be included, and is it possible to deliver such a text as an online document? The research showed that most teachers and lecturers in post-secondary school music courses teaching arranging/orchestration use extracts from several books and link them together, filling in the gaps, with their own methodologies and experiences. The problem with this approach is the resultant lack of uniformity through the various sections of the course; in particular the musical examples used and the availability of audio recordings of the examples. Some older published texts, while valuable in their content, do not supply audio recordings. Most texts investigated that do supply audio recordings only demonstrate good arranging/orchestration techniques and fail to compare the same example conceived through poor technique. This study revealed some important findings about the lack of a course method book existing that met the needs of educators delivering post-secondary courses in arranging. The key elements of such a course book were identified through research and then written into a model text (the project) with accompanying CD audio examples. Upon gaining valuable insights and completing the project, there was some scope for improving, extending (or changing delivery method) and publishing the project.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/210457
Date January 2008
CreatorsMcKenzie, Daryl, dmck@netspace.net.au
PublisherRMIT University. Education
Source SetsAustraliasian Digital Theses Program
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
Rightshttp://www.rmit.edu.au/help/disclaimer, Copyright Daryl McKenzie

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