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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Roisin Blunnie
Semester 2: Roisin Blunnie
Autumn: Roisin Blunnie
Module TeachersRoisin Blunnie
Linda Adams
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Repeat assessments take place during the autumn examination period.
Description

The module aims to prepare students for musical leadership in schools and in the community by developing their musical, critical and reflective skills in music performance, strategies for music teaching and for inclusive practice in music performance activities; experiential knowledge of musical style and genres, and vocal and instrumental technique, as well as their musical and interpersonal skills in the context of large-scale choral rehearsal and performance. The module focuses on 3 distinct but related areas: choral singing as part of the DCU Lumen Chorale, Aural and Keyboard Skills through small-group teaching appropriate to students’ level of experience and to year 3 of the programme; and individual performance via subsidised instrumental/vocal tuition provided on-campus by expert tutors from an external School of Music.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate music performance skills appropriate to year 3 of the programme.
2. Draw on a developed understanding of musical style and repertoire for use in a range of contexts including school choir/group music leadership.
3. Display intermediate knowledge and practical understanding in the areas of aural and keyboard skills, including classroom-based demonstration, accompaniment, and improvisation.
4. Utilise musical, organisational and interpersonal skills appropriate to choral rehearsal and performance.
5. Adapt and apply all relevant module competencies for teaching and musical leadership in school placement and professional contexts.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Seminars16Aural and Keyboard Skills Small-Group classes
Lecture36Choir rehearsals and performances
Tutorial10Individual instrumental/vocal tuition
Independent Study63Independent study and practice
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

Aural and Keyboard Skills
Small-group classes facilitate tailored teaching and incremental progress appropriate to students’ experience and stage of musical development and to year 3 of the programme, building on the performance modules of years 1 and 2. Repertoire used in Aural and Keyboard classes is drawn from genres such as popular music, Irish traditional music, world musics, vocal and chamber music of the 19th and 20th centuries, film music, musical theatre, taking care to include a diverse selection of musical artists and composers. Learning activities include piano accompaniment styles and patterns, individual and ensemble singing, sight-reading, improvisation, strategies for inclusive practice in music teaching; music-teaching processes appropriate to junior and senior cycle performance and practical activities; using and creating digital resources for musical skill development; critical reflection on performance. Students are encouraged to make connections across musical styles and genres, identifying points of commonality and difference as part of developing a deep understanding of musical style and expression throughout the ages and in the contemporary world.

Individual instrumental/vocal music
Students take individual lessons in their chosen instrument(s), guided by specialist tutors. Lessons focus on technique, musical style and expression, performance strategies, and music literacy appropriate to the instrument.

Choir
students sing as part of the DCU Lumen Chorale, a large choir of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices that brings together students from the 4 years of the B.Rel.Ed. and Music programme. Repertoire is drawn from styles such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, music of the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary music, arrangements of popular music and film music, rounds/canons and improvisation. Activities include choral-vocal training, choral warm-ups, ensemble singing appropriate to diverse musical styles, group sight-singing and musicianship, rehearsal technique, choral pedagogy and leadership, guidance and repertoire for leading school choirs, and performance in concerts, university events, and competitions.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PortfolioAural and Keyboard Skills: ongoing tasks and final portfolio.40%As required
Practical/skills evaluationIndividual instrumental/vocal performance with critical reflection50%Sem 2 End
Performance evaluationChoir-based assessment - Critical commentary (audio)10%Every Week
Indicative Reading List

  • Chester L. Alwes: 2015, A History of Western Choral Music, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780199361939
  • Zoltán Kodály: 0, 333 Reading Exercises, Editio Musica Budapest,
  • Edward Bolkovac and Judith Johnson: 2004, 150 Rounds for Singing and Teaching, Boosey & Hawkes Incorporated, 9781458411426
  • Tone Bianca Dahl: 0, The Choir, Stretta, 9788292494226
  • Shirlee Emmons,Constance Chase: 2006, Prescriptions for Choral Excellence, Oxford University Press, 9780195182422
  • David J. Elliott,Marissa Silverman: 2014, Music Matters: A Philosophy of Music Education, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780195334043
  • David Elliott, Wayne Bowman, Marissa Silverman: 0, Artistic Citizenship, 9780199393749
  • Roberta Y. Hickox,Ryan M. Hourigan: 2016, Winding It Back, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780190201616
  • Judith A. Jellison: 2015, Including Everyone: Creating Music Classrooms Where All Children Learn, Oxford University Press, 9780199358762
  • Ursula Geisler,Karin Johansson: 2014, Choral Singing: Histories and Practices, Cambridge Scholars Pub, 9781443863315
  • King's Singers: 2002, The King's Singers Book of Rounds, Canons and Partsongs, Hal Leonard Corporation, 9780634046308
  • Antal Molnar: 0, Classical Canons - 230 Solfeggio, Editio Musica Budapest, 9781458413253
  • Dennis Shrock,James Moyer: 0, A Conductor's Guide to Choral/orchestral Repertoire, 9781622772278
  • Graham F. Welch,David Martin Howard,John Nix: 2019, The Oxford Handbook of Singing, Oxford University Press, 9780199660773
  • David Willcocks,John Rutter: 0, 100 Carols for Choirs, Oxford University Press, 9780193532274
Other Resources

50276, Printed music, Assorted composers, 0, Choral Repertoire, www.cpdl.org, 50278, Printed scores, Various composers, 0, Choral repertoire, www.imslp.org, 50290, Exercises, Course Lecturers, 0, Specially designed aural and keyboard skills resources, 50291, Exercises, Course Lecturers, 0, Specially designed sight-singing resources, 50292, Website, 0, Teoria: Music Theory interactive exercises, https://www.teoria.com/en/exercises/,

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