Music in Miniature
In this course we will explore musical miniatures: compositions and songs that are not merely short, but extraordinarily and intentionally brief. What do such tiny pieces illuminate about the creative process, aesthetic values, and musical time? How do narrative and irony arise in these unusual forms? Are new platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts reshaping our musical expectations? We will examine a diverse range of musical miniatures alongside small-scale forms from other arts, such as haiku poetry, miniature portraiture, nano-sculpture, and one-minute film. We will create our own stand-alone miniatures, use miniatures as building blocks for longer cycles, and reflect in writing and speech on our work. Composers, songwriters, and performers from all musical traditions are welcome.