Module manager: Dr Sam Flynn
Email: S.Flynn2@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
| MUS3234 | The Musician's Toolbox: Theory in Practice |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
What makes your favourite music tick? This module will introduce you to a selection of ‘tools’ (music-theoretical approaches) that you can use to break music down, see how it works, and create your own music. You’ll learn a set of approaches to elements of music such as rhythm, harmony, form, lyrics and audio-visual relationships. You’ll use these flexible approaches to study a range of musical traditions – such as Western art music, popular music, jazz, film music, musical theatre, and various non-Western musics. You’ll put these tools to work through hands-on analytical and creative tasks. You could use them to analyse a score, a song or a scene. Or you could use them to help you to compose – not according to rigid ‘rules’ but sparked by ideas learnt from studying some of the world’s most successful musicians. By the end of the module, you’ll have built up a ‘toolbox’ of approaches that will empower you to analyse or create music. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
This module aims to introduce you to a set of ‘tools’ (music-theoretical approaches), that are applicable to a variety of musical genres. You’ll put theory into practice by analysing or creating music yourself.
In each lecture, you’ll acquire a new ‘tool’ (that is, a new approach).
In every practical, you’ll put theory into practice through either analysis or creative endeavours such as composition.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Situate music theory with respect to a range of analytical or creative contexts.
2. Analyse connections between music theory and analytical or creative practice.
3. Apply a range of music-theoretical approaches through the analysis or creation of musical repertoire.
4. Communicate ideas in clear and structured ways.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practical | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
In the practicals, you will put the ‘tools’ (music-theoretical approaches) into practice through analytical and/or creative tasks. You will also practise communicating ideas about music using prose and visual aids. In these sessions, the lecturer will circulate the class, monitoring your understanding and giving 1-to-1 verbal feedback on your work-in-progress.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Assignment | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 09/02/2026
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