Baldwin Wallace University

Conservatory of Music
Music Composition Lessons & Seminar

Instructor Dr. Clint Needham (cdneedha@bw.edu)

Phone office – X2397 / Remind App
Office Kulas 212
Credits 3 (lessons + seminar)
Meeting Times Individual Lessons, K 212: TBD / Dr. Sokol: TBD
Seminar/Studio Meetings, Kulas 318: Wednesday 3:10-4:00pm

Course Description: To explore and discover creative possibilities of expression through sound &
notation. Private lessons will culminate in the completion and performance of at least one original
work each semester. It is strongly recommended that you create your own composition
calendar/timeline for the semester so that you are not forced to rush parts of the creative process. In
order to get the best results, you need to consider time for composing, revisions, part-making,
performer-recruiting, and plenty of rehearsal time.

Required Text:
None, spring 2020

Recommended Text/Material:
Blatter, Alfred. Instrumentation & Orchestration, 2nd ed. (required for Intro & Orchestration)
Sibelius or Finale Music Notation Software (I strongly recommend Sibelius)
Manuscript paper
Logic Software (Logic Pro X)

Grading:
Attendance, creativity, & thoughtful steady progress – 50%
Completion of work(s)/polished performance at New Music Series Recital(s) – 25%
Listening quizzes – 25%

Composing: A substantial and consistent amount of time should be devoted to composing each week.
It is recommended that you spend at least 15 hours (basement floor minimum) a week devoted solely
to composition. You should be able to show some progress at every lesson meeting. For Seminar,
you may be required to produce a certain amount of music from week to week.

Listening: You MUST actively listen to music on a regular basis with score in hand if possible. This
will likely provide you with good ideas, and help you find new ways to work on your piece. In addition
to assigned listening, you should seek out other music that interests you. Please talk to me if you
would like guidance about repertoire to study – feel free to look through my collection of CD/Scores,
online resources, and explore our library. There is no greater teacher than the music itself.
Additional Required Meeting Times: In addition to lessons (individual and group), we will meet as a studio
once a week for a seminar class. We will discuss a variety of works and composition related topics, meet
with guest composers/artists, and you will have the opportunity to present works/topics. We will also have
a number of listening requirements and drop-the-needle style listening quizzes.

Attendance Policy: Come to class… you will learn something. Your seminar grade WILL be factored into
your final composition lessons grade.

Composer Recital Policy: All composition majors must have at least one performances of their work
during each semester of study. Depending on time and requirements, students may have more than one
work performed during the semester. Composition majors MUST attend all composition recitals/events
including all composition concerts (New Music Series), Focus Festival/Guest composer/performer concerts
and lectures, and senior recitals. Attendance at additional concerts and lectures may be required or
requested throughout the semester.

Senior Recital: Recitals must include at least three works for acoustic performance that demonstrate
effective writing for a variety of ensembles. It is expected that pieces will be presented in a manner that is
“performance ready”, meaning that performance is clear of major technical errors. Composers must also
participate as a performer or conductor on at least one piece on the program.

Important Dates (phone calendar worthy):

1/17 – Alba Opera by Candey at 7:30pm in FK
1/19 – Alba Opera by Candey at 3pm in FK
2/5 – 5th House Ensemble at 7pm in Gamble
2/9 – New Music Series at 7pm in Gamble
2/14 – SWE at 7pm in Gamble
2/19 – BW Orchestra at 7pm in Gamble
2/20-23 – TCO Tilson Thomas premiere
2/29 – Factory 2nds Brass at 2pm in Gamble
2/29 – Rotberg-Kim Duo at 7pm in Gamble
3/11-14 – CityMusic Clayton premiere
3/22 – New Music Series at 7pm in Gamble
4/3 – Wind Ensembles at 7pm in Gamble
4/16-19 – TCO Harbison performance
4/18 – Percussion Ensemble at 7pm in Gamble
4/23-25 – TCO Ades performance
4/19 – BW Singers (C.H. Johnson) 7pm in Gamble
4/24 – Bach Fest Future at 1:30pm in BMAC Lobby
4/24 – BWV Choir/Primosch at 7pm in gamble
4/30 – Composers Forum at 7pm in Gamble
5/2 – Chase Lenz Sr Recital at 3pm in Gamble

Seminar Dates/Topics:
1/15 – X 3/4 – Class, Topic Voice/Form
1/22 – Class, Topic Voice/Form 3/11 – Spring Break
1/29 – Meeting time moved to 2/6 with the 5th 3/18 – Class, Topic Voice/Form
House Ensemble, time TBD) 3/25 – No Seminar
2/5 – Guest, Dan Visconti 4/1 – Class, Topic Voice/Form
2/6 – 5th House reading session 4/8 – Class, Topic Voice/Form
2/12 – Class, Topic Voice/Form 4/15 – Class, Topic Voice/Form
2/19 – Class, Topic Voice/Form 4/22 – Guest, James Primosch (pos move to 4/23)
2/26 – No Seminar 4/29 – Class, Topic Voice/Form

New Music Series recital info:

When your work is scheduled for a New Music Series Concert you MUST submit your program
information to Dr. Sokol at (jsokol@bw.edu) no later than two (2) weeks before the concert. Please send
your name, birth year, work title (movement titles if needed), performer names & instrument/voice type,
short bio, and short program note. Failure to deliver this info in time will result in a cancelation of your
piece on the program.
BW Conservatory of Music
Conservatory Learning Outcomes/CLO’s

Foundational Musical Skills & Knowledge Students will develop a foundation of knowledge and skills
in music theory (written and aural), technology, keyboard, and music history through their study of music
from various historical periods, cultural contexts, and genres.
Performance Students will perform solo and ensemble repertoire with appropriate technical and
interpretive proficiency.
Musical Leadership and Civic Engagement Students will identify and pursue entrepreneurial
opportunities, demonstrate leadership, and advocate on behalf of music, as contributing members of the
artistic community.

BW SEXUAL MISCONDUCT AND DISCRIMINATION REPORTING

Baldwin Wallace University values each member of our community and therefore prohibits discrimination
including sexual misconduct. All faculty and staff of Baldwin Wallace University are mandated reporters
of sexual misconduct (excluding Health & Counseling Center staff, Professional Athletic Trainers and the
University Chaplain who provide confidential services). Mandated reporters are required by University policy to
report any disclosure of sexual misconduct to appropriate University administrators and are able to
promise the utmost discretion but not full confidentiality. Information including the Baldwin Wallace
University Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy can be found by
Clicking HERE or by entering the following link into your browser: bw.edu/report-misconduct

To report Sexual Misconduct or other forms of discrimination directly and seek University resources and
response (including interim measures) please contact Nancy Gussett, Equity Resolution Coordinator at 440-
826-2122 or complete the online report form by Clicking HERE or by entering the following link into your
browser: bw.edu/incident-report-form

To seek Confidential advising and resources are also available through the following resources:
• BW Counseling and Health Services can be accessed by calling (440) 826-2180 or visiting the BW
Health Center, 207 Beech St.
• The University Chaplain can be reached by calling (440) 826-2175 or visiting the Lindsay Crossman
Chapel, 56 Seminary St.
• For on-campus Licensed Professional Athletic Trainers (please note that student trainers are
mandated to report allegations of discrimination including sexual misconduct to their licensed
supervisor) call the Head Athletic Trainer at 440- 826-8570 or visit
https://www.bwyellowjackets.com/athletics/athletic_training/staff for more information.
• The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) can be reached by calling or texting the Crisis and
Support Hotline at (216) 619-6192 or (440) 423-2020. For information about CRCC services on
campus Click Here or enter the following link into your
browser: https://clevelandrapecrisis.org/services/campus-services/baldwin-wallace/

Baldwin Wallace is committed to providing all students equal access to learning opportunities. Students
who have, or think they may have a disability (e.g. mental health, attentional, learning, vision, hearing,
physical or systemic) and would like to determine if they are eligible for reasonable accommodations should
contact Disability Services for Students at (440) 826-2147 or disability@bw.edu