Module: Improv Ensemble 2

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Improv Ensemble 2
Module Code	MC218 (ITS) / MPA1034 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Cormac O'Brien
Module Teachers	Chris Guilfoyle, Derek Whyte, Jenna Harris, Kevin Brady, Ronan Guilfoyle, Thomas Halferty
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination

Description

This module will develop ideas from IE1 and give learners an opportunity to play through typical standard repertoire with an emphasis on Broadway standards and classic compositions by jazz composers, and in so doing help them develop their understanding and mastery of jazz language. Emphasis will be placed on the development of convincing idiomatic phrasing, both rhythmic and harmonic.

Learning Outcomes

1. Play through standard repertoire in a convincing way with appropriate voice leading
2. Play in an rhythmically idiomatic way in typical classic jazz repertoire
3. Be comfortable in accompaniment roles.
4. Listen and respond to the musical ideas of others in real time
5. Be conversant with performance norms in standard jazz repertoire
6. Be capable of programming and performing an effective 30-minute public ensemble performance

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Workshop	48	Weekly, A two-hour ensemble lecture/workshop, working with a lecturer on given repertoire
Independent Study	162	Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
Independent Study	40	Critical listening
Total Workload: 250

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

Repertoire Ensemble
Repertoire containing structures, chords, rhythms and grooves taken from the Bebop, Swing and Hard Bop traditions as well as Funk and simple Modal repertoire. Classic forms such as blues, Rhythm Changes and AABA and some different rhythmic forms, such as 3/4 and straight 8s will be covered. ° Developing convincing voice-leading skills ° Interaction between soloist and rhythm section ° Identification of important historical practitioners and how they inform the improvising tradition ° Swing vocabulary in 3/4 ° Creating forward motion in soloing over changes ° Creating forward motion in soloing in modal situations ° Creating simple ‘head arrangements’ and the use of improvised backing techniques such as shout choruses

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Performance evaluation	Practicing repertoire studied in class, with ‘playalong’ recordings, alone and with others	80%	Sem 2 End
Participation	n/a	20%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

0: How to Improvise, Advance Music, 186, 163478
0: The Jazz Theory Book, Sher Music Co., 522,

Other Resources

None