Module: Advanced Harmony and Counterpoint

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Advanced Harmony and Counterpoint
Module Code	MC309
School	59
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Sean Doherty Semester 2: Sean Doherty Autumn: Sean Doherty
Module Teachers	Sean Doherty
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Coursework Only

Description

Students will learn advanced concepts in harmony and counterpoint through composition exercises, listening tasks, and performance. This is achieved through the completion of weekly exercises in contemporary a cappella arrangement. The student will consider the importance of extended chords and their voicings in 5 parts, advanced modulation, non-functional harmony and vocal emulation of instrumental timbres. Additionally, the module develops students’ aural perception skills and facilitates further experience of appropriate technology resources, as well as providing demonstration and discussion of appropriate use of content and techniques in teaching and research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of harmony and counterpoint in the contemporary a cappella style.
2. Acquire literacy, performance and compositional skills using the harmonic and contrapuntal resources of contemporary a cappella repertoire.
3. Apply the accepted conventions in the notation of choral music to a professional standard.
4. Present compositional exercises using appropriate notational software
5. Adapt the acquired compositional, technological and literacy skills to the contexts of teaching and research.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures on course content, including practical demonstration and participation through vocal performance.
Assignment Completion	48	Weekly exercises in prescribed areas of course work.
Independent Study	53	Music listening and score reading related to course content
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

Arranging contemporary a cappella
Lead sheets, Rhythmic Counterpoint between melody and bass functions, Notation and Editing, Emulation, Backing Vocals, Vocal Percussion, Choral Reduction, Front Matter

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Music Composition	n/a	20%	n/a
Music Composition	n/a	20%	n/a
Music Composition	n/a	60%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Sharon, Deke; Bell, Dylan,: 2012, A cappella arranging, Hal Leonard, Milwaukee, WI,

Other Resources

50295, 0, Spotify, www.spotify.com, 50296, 0, MuseScore Resources, www.musescore.org, 50298, Course Lecturer, 0, Specially designed resources,

Programme or List of Programmes

BRM	Bachelor of Religious Education & Music

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