• Active participation and attendance 30%
• Listening journal (weekly responses to assigned works) 20%
• Miniature composition (self-performed solo work) 10%
• Composition A for small ensemble 10%
• Performance of Peer works (A) 10%
• Composition B for small ensemble 10%
• Performance of Peer works (B) 10%

NOTES:

Basis of Grading (Expectations) 

Participation:

- Offer thoughtful contributions to in-class discussion
- Engage actively with others’ work and working process
- Prepare thoroughly for rehearsals + workshops (this will require practicing outside of class, as with any instrumental performance practice)

Attendance:

- Attendance is mandatory and tardiness is not permitted.
- 3 late arrivals of more than 5 minutes equals one absence.
- Each un-excused absence lowers your grade by a full degree (A becomes A-).
- Required events include year-end show (TBD during exam period) 

Listening Journal:

In addition to in-class listening/discussion, one piece will be assigned for closer study each week. Listening responses to 2 live events may substitute for any 2 weeks’ listening of your choice. (Substitutions must be cleared in advance with the instructor).

Listening Journal Guidelines

Journal responses consider each piece on its own terms. Avoid statements of opinion such as “I like / I don’t like”. Rather, observe things that strike you about the piece: What is unique about it? What are its active elements? How do they work?

Choose at least one specific point in the piece to discuss in closer detail.

You will be graded on how thoughtfully you consider these creative elements and in how much detail. 250-350 words each week.

Grading of Compositions:

- Growth and over the course of the term 
- Originality/Creativity
- Dimensionality (attention to multiple facets of a work that could include time, form, colour, density, pacing, concept, pitch, rhythm, texture, combination, or other aspects unique to the work). 
- Attention to detail (both creative and practical)
- Scoring (functionality of score and parts to achieve desired outcome)

Grading of Performances:

- Evident preparation and practice
- Evident investment in the piece
- Accuracy in representing the notated score
- Creative engagement with the development of the piece and its performance

REQUIREMENTS:

- Creative curiosity 

- Willingness to rigorously experiment 

- Dedication to collaborative process

- Understanding of basic music notation and scoring practices