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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Composition, Theory and Applied Techniques 1
Module Code MC101
School 59
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Barbara Dignam
Semester 2: Barbara Dignam
Autumn: Barbara Dignam
Module TeachersBarbara Dignam
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
None
Description

This module builds on students’ musical knowledge, music writing, composition and aural techniques through engaging with theoretical and practical aspects of melody writing, solfège, music technology, setting texts to appropriate melodies and orchestration. It further develops students’ aural perception of musical techniques, and deepens their awareness of stylistic context. Students are introduced to music writing skills, and to strategies for applying these skills in subsequent professional activities. Students are expected to attend lectures/workshops, engage in workshops and submit regular course work.

Learning Outcomes

1. Display, through solfège, analysis, written examples and music technology an understanding of keys and key changes
2. Display, through solfège, analysis, written examples and music technology an understanding of notation using treble and bass clefs
3. Sight-sing pentatonic and diatonic melodies in unison and in canon
4. Complete a sixteen bar melody from a given four bar opening and include relevant modulations
5. Set given texts to a sixteen bar melody including relevant modulations
6. Display, through analysis and written examples an understanding of chord construction, labelling and progression
7. Arrange and orchestrate for small string orchestra



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36Lectures
Tutorial36Music technology tutorials and independent studio work
Independent Study54Independent Learning
Class Presentation61.5Class presentation
Total Workload: 187.5

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Solfège
• Reading, handsigns, the pentatonic and diatonic scales • Rhythmic and melodic ostinati • Singing canons of two or more parts • Singing and playing in canon • Modulation

Music Technology
Introduction to Sibelius Notation

Melodic composition and word setting
• Principles of melodic composition in ternary form with modulation to the dominant or relative key and including ornamentation and sequences • Word setting to appropriate melodies with modulation to the dominant or relative key and including ornamentation and sequences • Major and minor keys up to four flats or four sharps

Orchestration
• Range of string instruments • Conventional and extended techniques for string performance • Transcribing keyboard arrangements to string orchestrations

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWeekly exercises25%n/a
ProjectOrchestration Project25%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Archibald, Jean and Marmion Bernadette: 2003, Music Workout, Royal Irish Academy Of Music, Dublin,
  • Butterworth, Anna: 0, Harmony in Practice, ABRSM Publishing, London, 2000
  • Gordon, Jacob: 1982, Orchestration: A guide for students, Oxford Univeristy Press, Oxford,
  • Legányné Hegyi, Erzsébet Solfege according to the Kodály-concept, Kecskemét :: 1975, Erzsébet Solfege according to the Kodály-concept, Kecskemét, Pedagogical Institute of Music, Zoltán Kodály,
  • Lovelock, William: 2003, Two-part writing, Allans Music Australia, Spit Junction NSW,
  • Lovelock, William: 2003, Melody Writing, Allans Music Australia, Spit Junction NSW,
  • Lovelock, William: 0, First Year Harmony, Hammond and Co, London,
  • Wilkinson, Roy: 1991, ABC of Harmony, Music Square, Singapore,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BAJHBachelor of Arts (BAJH)
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