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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Instrumental Labs 2
Module Code MC219 (ITS) / MPA1035 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinatorMatthew Jacobson
Module TeachersChris Guilfoyle, Conor Guilfoyle, Jenna Harris, Linda Adams
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

Building from MC117, this is a module designed to provide learners with appropriate stylistic considerations for their instrument, particularly as it relates to the mainstream language of jazz performance, both in soloing and accompaniment. Learners will acquire a skill set that will be typical of that required by the contemporary performer on their instrument. The techniques under examination may be technical or stylistic. Areas which may be examined may include, but not be limited to, walking bass lines, ride cymbal time feel, solo vocabulary, ability to play in ¾, and appropriate timbral considerations.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent performers on their respective instruments or voice
2. Have an adequate grasp of stylistic norms for their instruments and the typical conventions of performance, particularly in the swing idiom
3. Rhythm section players will show a knowledge of the major innovators in the accompaniment tradition on their instruments
4. Melody instrument players will show a grasp of stylistic devices typical for their instrument



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Workshop24Weekly, A one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study101Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
Total Workload: 125

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

Typical Performance Practice
This module will cover various stylistic areas and techniques all of which will be relevant to typical performance practice of their voice/instrument. The techniques under examination may be technical or stylistic. Areas which may be explored may include, but not be limited to, walking bass lines, ride cymbal time feel, solo vocabulary, ability to play in ¾, and appropriate timbral considerations. Techniques discussed, depending on instrument, may include, but not be limited to such techniques as: ° Developing reading skills ˆ Rhythm section techniques ° Development of idiomatic soloing vocabulary ° Development of good time feel in different idioms ° Voice leading skills ° Development of idiomatic accompaniment vocabulary ° Survey of historically important developments in particular instruments or voice ° Guidance towards exemplary recorded examples of techniques under discussion

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Performance evaluationTechnical work and developing stylistic authenticity within the jazz and improvised music idiom80%Sem 2 End
ParticipationActive participation in class and enthusiasm for the assigned work.20%As required
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

  • Coolman, Todd: 2010, The Bass Tradition: Past Present Future,, Aebersold Publications,
  • Ted Reed: 0, Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer, Alfred Pub Co, 0882847953
  • Frank Malabe, Bob Weiner: 0, Afro-Cuban Rhythms for Drumset, Warner Brothers Publications, 0897245741
  • Gomes, Sergio: 2016, New ways in Brazilian Drumming,, Advance Music., 978389221082
  • Mike Campbell: 0, Sightsinging: The Complete Method for Singers, Musicians Institute, 0793581915
  • Anne Peckham: 0, The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique, Berklee Press, 0876391072
  • Phil Degreg: 0, Jazz Keyboard Harmony - A Practical Voicing Method For All Musicians, Jamey Aebersold, 1562240692
  • by Mark Levine: 1989, The jazz piano book, Sher Music, Petaluma, CA, 0961470151
  • Nelson Faria, Cliff Korman: 0, Inside the Brazilian Rhythm Section, Sher Music, 188321713X
  • Charles Wilcoxon: 0, All American Drummer, Ludwig Music Co, 9991769102
  • Guilfoyle, Conor: 2010, Rhythmic Reading for drummers, Advance Music, 3892211116
  • Joseph Viola: 0, Technique of the Saxophone, Berklee Press Publications, 0793554098
Other Resources

38449, App, McKnight, Mark, 2015, SightScribe,

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