Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
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Date posted: September 2024
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Description The module builds on students’ musical knowledge and music writing techniques by extending topics explored in the previous two years of the course: key relationships, chord construction and progression, and theoretical and applied aspects of harmony and counterpoint. Students engage in detail with the harmonic language of the late Baroque and its application to choral and keyboard genres. Practical application of these components involves choral settings of hymn tune and completion of a piece for keyboard instrument both of which involve a basic level of skill in keyboard harmony. Knowledge and practice in relation to 20th and 21st Century composition techniques are extended, developing students’ skills in composing in a contemporary style. Additionally, the module develops students’ aural perception and engagement with technology, and deepens their awareness of music writing in stylistic context. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Appraise and simulate four-part homophonic harmonization of a hymn tune for SATB choir showing a detailed knowledge of harmonic principles of the late Baroque style 2. Demonstrate an understanding of imitative counterpoint and show skill in manipulating harmonic progressions to produce independent melodic parts 3. Show a knowledge of writing in an imitative style for keyboard 4. Display, through analysis and written examples, a broad knowledge of functional harmony as it is employed in different contexts of art music 5. Employ music technology software in student-directed learning 6. Compose a short, original piece in a contemporary style, for trio (including piano) OR a quartet of woodwind and/or strings or an extended piece for solo piano, or an original piece for solo acoustic instrument and prerecorded tape. 7. Develop a sound critical understanding of 20th and 21st century musical techniques and an awareness of a range of creative developments in this period | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Classical Techniques• Seventh Chords • Transitions and Modulations • Secondary dominant chords • Bach’s Chorale Harmonisations • Imitative Counterpoint • Suspensions • Sequences • Keyboard Inventions • Modal HarmonyContemporary composition• A series of lecture workshops exploring a number of techniques used by composers over the last 50 years • Contemporary techniques in writing for the piano • Processes based on minimalism • Reference to and examples given from major composers both of the recent past and those working currently • Introduction to sequencing and editing using music technology software • Constant review of students’ work-in-progress | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||