Accessibility statement

Editing Early Music - MUS00010I

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  • Department: Music
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

To learn the methods and techniques of editing and transcribing music from the period c.1500 - 1650. Facsimiles of manuscript and printed music from the period c.1500 - 1650 will be used in order to examine various notational practices (including lute tablature) and to establish the parameters of good editorial method. Various standard editions will be examined as models of editorial procedure and a recurring theme will be the relationship between the edition and the needs of the performer.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the module, you should:

  • have acquired an understanding of notational practices (including lute tablature) from the period c.1500-1650
  • have acquired a good working knowledge of editorial practice
  • be able to critically appraise a wide range of relevant editions
  • have explored some current methodologies appropriate to recent academic research in aspects of editing and transcription of Renaissance and Baroque music.

Second years: On completion of the module, in your independent work, you should demonstrate understanding and competence in editing Renaissance and Baroque music, and Learning Outcomes B1-B6, B9-10

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

  • W. Apel, The Notation of Polyphonic Music 900-1600 (Cambridge, Massachusetts, rev. 5/1953, repr. 1961)
  • J. Caldwell, Editing Early Music (Oxford, 1985; 2/1995)
  • W. Emery, Editions and Musicians (London, 1957)
  • R. Rastall, The Notation of Western Music (London, 1983; rev. 2/Leeds, 1997)
  • J. Grier, The Critical Editing of Music - History, Method, and Practice (Cambridge, 1996)
  • J. Greer, Musical Notation in the West (Cambridge, 2021)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.