Module: Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 6

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 6
Module Code	MC302 (ITS) / MPA1043 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Barbara Dignam
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None

Description

The module builds on students’ musical knowledge and music writing techniques by extending topics explored in the previous two and a half years of the course: word setting, 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 Viennese style in 18th century classical music. They are introduced to some of the techniques of nineteenth century art music, with applied studies in string quartet arrangement and counterpoint in three parts or more. The module also includes a review of modal tonality across a range of music styles and settings comprising song arrangements in traditional and popular styles. Practical application of these components involve a cappella choral settings of traditional songs/ children’s songs, and song arrangements in popular or contemporary traditional style. Orchestration techniques will be further developed by arranging for full orchestra, including the brass section. Students are given opportunities for considering how musical techniques might be applied in subsequent professional activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Display, through analysis and written examples, a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of functional harmony in Viennese classical style, and an acquaintance with the harmonic language of early to mid-nineteenth century art music
2. Arrange/complete a short string quartet movement
3. Display, through analysis and written examples, a broad knowledge of modal harmony as it is employed in different contexts of traditional, popular and art music
4. Complete or write a two- or three-part a cappella arrangement of a traditional song and/or children’s song
5. Employ music technology software in student-directed learning
6. Orchestrate an existing piano piece for woodwind, brass and strings with sensitivity to voice-leading and textural balance

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	Lectures
Independent Study	89	Independent Learning
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

Classical Techniques
• String Quartet in Viennese Classical Style • Analysis of Haydn’s string writing • advanced use of transitions and Modulations • Chromatic chords including the augmented 6th • Use of secondary dominant chords in vocal arrangement • Suspensions • Sequences • Vocal Polyphony • Modal Harmony • Word setting in three parts

Orchestration
• A series of lecture workshops exploring a number of techniques used by composers in arranging for full orchestra including the brass section • Individual brass instruments and their uses as solo instruments, use of mutes etc. • The horns as part of the woodwind section • The brass choir • Brass instruments as part of the orchestral tutti • Contrasting textures in orchestrating for woodwind, brass and strings • All lectures include examples from the orchestral repertoire • Examples of piano works orchestrated by major composers

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Participation	Course work, twice weekly	30%	n/a
Assignment	Assignment	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

Bowman, David and Terry, Paul: 1993, Aural Matters: A Student’s Guide to Aural Matters at Advanced Level, Schott Educational Publications, Mainz,
Butterworth, Anna: 2000, Harmony in Practice, ABRSM Publishing, London,
Cope, David: 1997, Techniques of the Contemporary Composer, Shirmer Books, New York,
Steinitz, Paul and Sterman, Stella: 1974, Harmony in Context, Belwin Mills, Croydon,
Sturman, Paul: 1983, Harmony Melody and Composition, Longman, Harlow, Essex,
Wilkinson, Roy: 1991, ABC of Harmony, Music Square, Singapore,

Other Resources

41425, Haydn, Joseph, 0, String Quartets Op 2, http://imslp.org/wiki/String_Quartets,_Op.2_(Haydn,_Joseph), 41426, Haydn, Joseph, 0, String Quartets Op 33, http://imslp.org/wiki/String_Quartets%2C_Op.33_%28Haydn%2C_Joseph%29,