Course detail

Fundamentals of Instrumentation

FEKT-BPC-ZINAcad. year: 2021/2022

Existing and new combination techniques and techniques of play, focusing on orchestral instruments (especially brass and percussion), briefly non-orchestral, historical and ethnic instruments. Study of chamber and orchestral music, practical instrumental studies.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

6

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The student will be able to:
- describe brass instruments in terms of creating tone,
- describe brass instruments in terms of playing techniques,
- describe percussion instruments in terms of creating tone,
- describe percussion instruments in terms of playing techniques,
- create instrumentation studies for combinations of brass and percussion instruments.

Prerequisites

The knowledge of basic concepts of musical acoustics, tempo, expression and dynamic signs, and musical instruments tuning is required as well as musical intervals, scales and modes, chords and basic harmonic connections, timbres, capabilities and limitations of musical instruments, and the influence of room acoustics on the interpretation of music.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations.
- Lectures consist of an explanation of basic principles supplemented with samples of scores and audio samples.
- Exercises support practical acquiring of themes presented at lectures in form of practical work with active participation of students.
Participation at lectures is recommended. Participation at other ways of instruction is checked.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Evaluation of study results follows Rules for Studies and Examinations of BUT and Dean's Regulation to the Rules for Studies and Examinations of BUT. Up to 100 points is given for the final oral examination and it is necessary to get at least 50 points for its successful completion. The exam is aimed at knowledge in area of instrumentation according to syllabus of subjects Fundamentals of Instrumentation 1 and 2.

Course curriculum

1. Brass instruments with their ancestral members: a basic introduction.
2. Brass instruments: tone production, articulation, breathing and endurance options for phrases.
3. Brass instruments: dynamic possibilities, vibrato, flageolet.
4. Brass instruments: special playing techniques, interpretation of micro-intervals, etc.
5. – 6. Brass instruments: creating short instrumentation studies.
7. Percussions: a basic introduction.
8. Percussions: tone production (types of drumsticks, etc.) articulation.
9. Percussions: dynamic possibilities, vibrato, flageolet.
10. Percussions: special playing techniques, interpretation of micro-intervals, etc.
11. Percussions: creating short instrumentation studies.
12. Creating a short instrumental study for a combination of brass and percussion instruments.
13. A brief introduction to non-orchestral, historical, and ethical instruments.

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The aim of the course is to introduce students to existing and new combination techniques and playing techniques focusing on orchestral instruments (especially brass and percussion), and briefly to the non-orchestral, historical, and ethical instruments.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

To obtain the credit it is necessary to complete at least 10 exercises during semester. Other forms of the checked instructions are specified by a regulation issued by the guarantee of the course and updated for every academic year.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Emmert, F. : Poznámky k instrumentaci, I., II., JAMU, Brno, 1997, 2000 (CS)
Kohoutek, C. : Novodobé skladebné směry v hudbě. Praha, SHV 1965 (CS)
Kotek, Miroslav: Bicí nástroje. Panton Praha, 1983 (CS)
Modr, A.: Hudební nástroje, Editio Supraphon, Praha, 1977 (CS)
SYROVÝ, V. Hudební zvuk. Nakladatelství Akademie múzických umění v Praze, Praha, 1. vydání, 2009, ISBN 978-80-7331-161-2. (CS)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Elearning

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-AUD Bachelor's

    specialization AUDB-TECH , 3 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional
    specialization AUDB-ZVUK , 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Fundamentals seminar

26 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

Elearning