Analysis and

Interpretation
of Music
(Pop)
MX403

Module Guide

Academic Year 2020/21

Level: 4

Credits: 20

Pre-requisite: NIL
 MX403
Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

CONTENTS

MODULE OVERVIEW....................................................................................................................... 3
1 Teaching Team ................................................................................................................... 3
2 Module Details .................................................................................................................... 3
2.1. Total Guided Learning Hours ..................................................................................... 3
2.2. Assessment (Percentage of final marks assessed by) ............................................ 3
SECTION A ....................................................................................................................................... 4
1 Introduction to Module ..................................................................................................... 4
2 Adminstrative and Technical Support ............................................................................. 4
3 Timetable / Venue / Rooms .............................................................................................. 4
4 Student Support and Guidance ...................................................................................... 4
4.1. SRMC IMS ..................................................................................................................... 4
4.2. The SRMC Library ........................................................................................................ 4
5 Learning Outcomes ........................................................................................................... 5
6 Learning Resources ............................................................................................................ 5
6.1. Textbooks / Reading Materials.................................................................................. 5
SECTION B ....................................................................................................................................... 6
7 Assessment: General Information ................................................................................... 6
8 Details of Assessment ......................................................................................................... 6
8.1. ASSESSMENT 1 .............................................................................................................. 6
8.2. ASSESSMENT 2 .............................................................................................................. 6
8.3. ASSESSMENT 3: Formative Assignments .................................................................... 7
8.4. ASSESSMENT MARKING BANDS ................................................................................ 7
9 Summative Assessment Grid ........................................................................................... 12
10 Statement on Plagiarism ............................................................................................. 12
11 Evaluation of the Module ............................................................................................ 12
12 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ............................................................................ 13
SECTION C..................................................................................................................................... 14
13 Guide to Learning Sessions.......................................................................................... 14

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 MX403
Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

MODULE OVERVIEW

1 TEACHING TEAM
Module Leader Jordan Wei
Field/School Singapore Raffles Music College
Email
Phone
Location Refer to Timetable

2 MODULE DETAILS
Module Code MX403
Level 04
Credits 20

2.1. Total Guided Learning Hours

Teaching Contact Hours 44 hours
Independent Study Hours 156 hours
Length Of Module 1 semester

2.2. Assessment (Percentage of final marks assessed by)

Midterm 40%
Final 50%
Formative 10%
Total 100%

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

SECTION A

1 INTRODUCTION TO MODULE

Welcome to Analysis and Interpretation of Music module for pop musicians. This module
equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to analyse contemporary musical
compositions, with the aim of enabling you to successfully translate what is seen on the
score to your performance of the music. This will allow you to be mindful of the uses and
applications of compositional devices and approaches within the different styles and
genres that you would encounter in your musical careers, thereby developing you into
critically informed practitioners of music. You will also engage in relevant formative class
discussions that will help broaden your exposure to music analytical skills through a peer
support system.

2 ADMINSTRATIVE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

For any matters, please refer to Programme Department.

3 TIMETABLE / VENUE / ROOMS

The timetable will be confirmed by the Programme Department during academic

induction. Please check your timetables for confirmation.

4 STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE

4.1. SRMC IMS

All the key information you require to complete this module can be assessed through the
SRMC IMS. Please check there regularly for additional resources or information during the
course of the module. Updates or changes will be told to you through announcements,
SMS and/or email – so please also ensure that you check your phones and emails for
notifications from the college.

4.2. The SRMC Library

The School Library provides a wide range of services, resources, advice and help to
support teaching, learning and research across the institution. All students are
automatically members of the Library. The NRIC or Student Pass is also the Library card,
and borrowing rights are automatically set according to course and status. Staff from the
Programme Department provides help and support and offer one-to-one advice on
finding detailed resources for assignments by appointment.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

Further information, including opening hours and contact details, is available at:
http://srmc.edu.sg/contact-us/

5 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the module you will be able to:

• Critically analyse and appraise seen and unseen musical extracts, lead sheets
and scores
• Demonstrate evidence of stylistic and contextual awareness in analysis
• Identify and discuss musical forms and the range of compositional styles studied
in detail
• Employ a range of established contemporary music analysis methods in the
analysis of music
• Present your analysis of music in a clear and coherent manner
• Attain compositional and analytical competencies via participation at various
internal and external workshops and symposiums
• Engage effectively and critically on various issues and topics relevant to the
module via online informal forum discussions.

6 LEARNING RESOURCES

You should review the bibliographies contained at the end of each entry carefully, as they
may well direct you to other important resources.

6.1. Textbooks / Reading Materials

• Harris, P. and Winterson, J., Rock and Pop Theory: The Essential Guide, Faber
Music Ltd, 2001
• Levine, M., The Jazz Theory Book, Sher Music, 1995
• Berkman, D., The Jazz Harmony Book, Sher Music, 2013
• Moore, Allan F., Analyzing Popular Music by Allan F. Moore, Cambridge
University Press, 2009.
• Middleton, Richard., Reading pop: Approaches to textual analysis in pop
music, Oxford University Press, 2000.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

SECTION B

7 ASSESSMENT: GENERAL INFORMATION

Assessment for this module will compromise of two In-class tests and various formative
assignments, conducted during the timetabled lecture slot in the middle and at the end
of the term. Full details of the assessments are given below. Please be sure to put the test
dates in your academic diary.

8 DETAILS OF ASSESSMENT

8.1. ASSESSMENT 1

Type of assessment In-class test

Length 2 hours
Weighting 40%
Assessor Module leader

This assessment is a written paper conducted during the timetabled lecture in Week 6 of
the term. It will comprise of the following:

1. Contemporary song analysis

2. Brief critical analytical essay

Students will be expected to demonstrate their knowledge of the range of compositional

devices and techniques manifest in several unseen musical extracts, as well as their
historical and contextual knowledge of the devices and techniques.

8.2. ASSESSMENT 2

Type of assessment In-class test

Length 2 hours
Weighting 50%
Assessor Module leader

This assessment is a written paper conducted during the timetabled lecture in Week 13 of
the term. It will comprise of the following:

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

1. Structural analysis
2. Essay
Students will be expected to demonstrate proficiency at a range of analytical methods,
such as score annotation, structural tabulations, schematic analysis and critical essay.

8.3. ASSESSMENT 3: Formative Assignments

Type of assessment Informal online forums

Length 4 x 50-word log

Weighting 10%

Assessor Module leader

These 4 x 50-word log post will be due on week 3, 6, 9 and 12. Each 50-word log post will
be a reflective and critical write up in response to the following topics via journals and
questions posted online by your module leader.

- Appreciation of the Jazz Standard

- A performer’s creative processes: implications for teaching and learning musical

interpretation

- What does it mean to analyse music

- Using classical forms to analyse Popular Music

8.4. ASSESSMENT MARKING BANDS

NB: In all assessments, students are required to present their work neatly and correctly.
Notation should be carefully written and aligned. Where needed, all performance
directions should be specifically indicated.

The following is used to describe the module as a whole, Assessment 1 and 2 combined.

Your work in this module will be assessed according to the following criteria. Please consult
these regularly as they are meant to help you meet assessment standards.

Covers all aspects of the assignment brief extensively with originality of

A+ thought as well as demonstrating the outstanding capability to
80 – 100% extrapolate findings into practical and positive applications beyond
the limits of the initial subject.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

Comprehensive coverage on all aspects of the assignment brief with

added dimension of originality of thought. Scope and terms of
reference are well-defined and argument structure reveals ability to
weigh both sides of the argument and is clearly supported by breadth
A of research evidence and excellent use of source material. Style of
writing is excellent and language, grammar and spelling are faultless.
70 – 79% Citations are correctly and consistently annotated within the
Bibliography and Footnotes. The references used are sufficient to
reflect evidence of excellent research. Visual presentation, design and
layout are excellent. Documentation provided shows processes of
excellent planning, action and progress.

Covers all aspects of the assignment brief thoroughly. Scope and terms
of reference are well-defined and argument structure reveals ability to
weigh both sides of the argument and is clearly supported by breadth
of research evidence and good use of source material. Good style of
B writing. Language, grammar and spelling are faultless. Citations are
60 – 69% correctly and consistently annotated within the Bibliography and
Footnotes. The references used are sufficient to reflect evidence of
good research. Good visual presentation, design and layout.
Documentation provided shows good processes of planning, action
and progress.

Addresses all aspects of the assignment brief. Scope and terms of

reference are defined. Evidence of a cohesive structure and relevant,
C though limited, argument. Standard use of style, language and syntax.
50 – 59% Correct and consistent format of citations. Fair amount of research.
Standard visual presentation, design and layout. Adequate
documentation.

Addresses at least half of the assignment brief and the work are
acceptable. Scope and terms of reference are not well defined.
Evidence of logical structure Sufficiently accurate and acceptable
D style and language. Grammar and spelling are not flawed enough to
40 – 49% impede any understanding Inconsistent formatting of citations. Some
acceptable and relevant research. Acceptable presentation of the
submission. Meets the minimum acceptable standards of
documentation in terms of layout, contents and organisation.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

Poor sense of the assignment brief and its requirements. Scope and
terms of reference are not well defined. Structure of argument is
F incoherent and poorly organised. Inappropriate and poor style and
language. Grammar and spelling render the paper difficult to read.
0 – 39%
Inadequate, incorrect and inconsistent format of citations. Little or
Re-Exam frequently irrelevant and poor research. Evidence of plagiarism. Poor,
careless and haphazard presentation of the submission. Poor
documentation.

PASS REQUIREMENT

Students must obtain an aggregate of 40% or above in order to pass the module.

RE-SIT REQUIREMENT

Students who achieve an overall mark of less than 40% (and have submitted the final
assessment) will be allowed to re-attempt the assessment(s) whereby they have obtained
a mark short of the passing mark of 40%. Should any student on the re-sit attempt, still fail
the module, they will be allowed to re-attempt the module.

SUBMISSION

The College views non-submission as a very serious offence. Please submit work on time.
Extensions may be granted by the module leader, but these are only granted for
exceptional cases. Please note that computer/technical/hardware/software malfunction,
although unfortunate, cannot be taken as suitable evidence.

LABELLING

The following must be clearly stated and visible from the outside of the package:

• Course title.
• Module title.
• Module code.
• Tutor name - to whom assignment must be submitted. (The person who taught you.)

DEADLINES FOR ASSIGNMENTS

Deadline time: 4:00pm

Note: Please anticipate a long queue at the programme department on submission day;
as such; please turn up early to ensure your submission gets in before 4 pm. Any student
submitting successfully after the deadline time, regardless of queue time, will be counted
as having submitted the next day.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

Any work submitted after the deadline will be deducted, 10% per day; a zero mark will be
given if the work is submitted after 7 days - this is an examination process and deadlines
must be taken very seriously.

PLASTIC FOLDERS / WALLETS

Assessments submitted in a sturdy plastic folder or portfolios will be accepted.

Assessments submitted in flimsy plastic wallets are difficult to store and can often tear
when stapled to the cover sheet. Discs or any other additional material should be placed
in a sealed envelope and attached to the written work.

Note: The Programme department will not supply folders, portfolios or envelopes. It is your
responsibility to present the work in an acceptable manner.
#

ISSUE OF RECEIPTS

Receipts will only be issued when a tangible piece of work has been submitted. Submission
of a web site address only will not entitle the student to a receipt unless they provide, with
the agreement of the tutor, a web address, module title, module code, tutor’s name and
date of posting on web. The Programme Department will issue the receipt. However, no
responsibility will be accepted for the accuracy of any information in that statement.

Do not hand work in to academic or support staff outside office.

LATE WORK AND EXTENSIONS

It is rare for an extension to be granted and it will most certainly not be granted in cases
of poor time management. Computer/technical/hardware/software malfunction,
although unfortunate, are also not accepted as reasons for late submissions.

Students must be familiar with the procedures of late submissions. These processes are in
your Student Handbook. All late work must be submitted together with an extension permit
signed by the module leader, as well as with sufficient written evidence to support the late
submission.

Important note 1 extensions may not be possible at certain times of the year and
mitigating circumstances may have to be established. It is your responsibility to familiarize
yourself with the rules and conditions of the college. Again refer to your Student Handbook.

Important note 2 extensions can only be issued before the formal deadline and cannot
be negotiated after this deadline. It is your responsibility to act promptly and keep both
the school and the module leader informed.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

KEEP BACKUPS OF ALL YOUR WORK!

You must comprehend the problems related to working with technology, in other words -
how do you protect yourself against system failure. This is crucial to commercial survival,
but equally it is an important issue with regard to student work. Computers and other
technological equipment can provide a great deal of fun, equally they can lead to much
frustration, anxiety, stress with the possible loss of marks when things go wrong.

Digital technology is particularly vulnerable to a host of serious problems. So are storage

media. The importance of keeping backups of your work cannot be over stressed and it
will cost you money to do so - so plan accordingly – there is no getting round it. Do keep
duplicates, as submitting your sole master copy for assessment is just like making a deal
with the devil.

SMALL PRINT FOR THE WISE

• Never submit master recordings for assessment, make copies of it and submit the
copy.
• Students submitting master recordings for assessment do so solely at their own risk.
The school and its staff will not be held responsible should there be a loss of the
submission or part of the submission, nor will they be held for the possible damage
or theft of the master recording before, during or after the marking process.
• Please keep backups of your written work.
• Check all media for data soundness, readability and compatibility on appropriate
systems before your submission to the programme department.
• Do ensure that you are submitting the correct format, regardless of data file type
or media.
• Label all media before submission.

RETURN OF ASSESSED WORK

It is not possible to return submitted work due to audit purposes. Hence, we recommend
that you make two copies of your own work, one for submission, one for your own records.
Anyway, you should be keeping backups of your own work.

ASSIGNMENT FEEDBACK

Students will receive a provisional grade along with written and verbal feedback as soon
as possible after each assessment. It is your responsibility to know how you have done so
that you can do better for the next assignment. Grades remain provisional till the
examination board meeting which is held after the semester.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

9 SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT GRID

Word Count or Due Date

Type of Assessment Threshold Pass Mark Weighting
equivalent (week no.)
Assessment 1:
2 hours
In-Class Test 6 NA 40% 40%
duration
(Written Paper)
Assessment 2:
2 hours
In-Class Test 13 NA 40% 50%
duration
(Written Paper)
Assessment 3: 4 x 50-words 3, 6, 9, 12 NA P/F 10%
Formative Assignment

10 STATEMENT ON PLAGIARISM

Plagiarism is defined as the submission of a student of work that is not his/her own, in the
sense that all or part of the work has been copied from that of another person (whether
published or not) without attribution, or the presentation of another's work as if it were
his/her own. Any student who knowingly permits another student to plagiarise his/her own
work will also be regarded as having committed collusion, which is another serious offence.
Self-plagiarism can also occur if a student does not reference his/her own, previous, work.

The offences of plagiarism and/or collusion are taken very seriously. If you plagiarise
someone else’s work you may fail in the assessment of the particular piece of work or the
whole module. In extreme cases a candidate may be expelled.

See also: Student Handbook

Note: To obtain a data file (e.g. sample, Jpeg or MIDI file etc.) and present it as your own
work is also plagiarism. If you are in any doubt please seek the advice of the module
leader or the academic director.

11 EVALUATION OF THE MODULE

Students are welcome to provide evaluation and feedback of the teaching programme
through the student satisfaction surveys that are conducted every semester, suggestion
forms as well as personal consultations with the lecturers.

At the end of each semester, the College’s Programme Department will issue
comprehensive surveys to gauge student satisfaction with teaching, facilities and student
support in the semester.

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

If you have questions you can either make an appointment with the Module Leader or
the Curriculum and Learning Specialist

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Analysis and
SRMC MODULE GUIDE
Interpretation of
Music

SECTION C

13 GUIDE TO LEARNING SESSIONS

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

Attendance at lectures/classes/seminars etc is compulsory. If for any reason you are

unable to attend, you have to ensure that you inform the appropriate tutor (including your
principal study tutor, if applicable) BEFORE the session in question takes place. Thank you.

As a matter of course:

• Be on time;
• Attend all the sessions;
• Bring this guide and any other relevant guides with you;
• Make sure you have your writing materials when you attend a session;
• Book facilities on a regular basis and use them appropriately;
• Do not procrastinate till the last minute.

STICK TO THE BRIEF

Considerable freedom is allowed for interpretation within the set work, though you must
pay attention to the constraints implied by the nature, the style of the work set, or the
assignment brief itself. These limits are imposed for a reason for you to develop the skills
through the appropriate guidance.

TEACHING SESSIONS

For this module, teaching sessions are considered extremely important as this approach
reflects professional practice. Teaching sessions will also give you insights especially
towards the seemingly more difficult tasks.

Students are expected to take notes at these sessions, hence bring along your writing
materials.

EMAIL AND THE ABUSE OF…

Please note that email should not be seen as a substitute for going to lectures or looking
at notice boards. All questions regarding the module and its assignments should be
directed to the lecturer involve during timetabled teaching hours. Emails regarding what
is normally covered during teaching hours where the student should have been present
for and has no good reason to be absent, will not be attended to.

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