The Commutation Test and Chris Bacon’s Score for Source Code as a Framework for Film Music Pedagogy

Author/Creator

Author/Creator ORCID

Date

2018-05-10

Department

Towson University. Department of Music

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Ziegel, Aaron. "The Commutation Test and Chris Bacon’s Score for Source Code as a Framework for Film Music Pedagogy." Journal of Music History Pedagogy 8, no. 2 (May 2018): 158-173. http://ams-net.org/ojs/index.php/jmhp/article/view/240

Rights

Attribution 3.0 United States

Abstract

This article lays out a theoretical foundation for the use of the commutation test as a film music-based pedagogical tool. The main titles sequence of Source Code (2011, directed by Duncan Jones) provides an effective example for classroom use, in which alternative musical accompaniments serve to reshape the viewing experience. An analysis of Chris Bacon’s original score for the sequence, supported by primary-source evidence, strengthens the instructional potential of this activity. Additionally, this essay provides a brief technical primer on how to prepare video clips for use in classroom teaching.