Module: Choral Studies/Conducting

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Choral Studies/Conducting
Module Code	MC318
School	59
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: John O'Flynn Semester 2: John O'Flynn Autumn: John O'Flynn
Module Teachers	John O'Flynn
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Coursework Only
Choral portfolio and essay

Description

The purpose of this module is to engage students with choral studies, from Renaissance music through through to contemporary choral composition and arrangement. The module will have a dual scholarly and practical focus, combining technical and interpretative skills with stylistic knowledge and music editing techniques. Students will be introduced to the basics of choral conducting and will work closely with peers. The course also includes components of score and performance analysis, using written scores and audio-visual recordings.

Learning Outcomes

1. be acquainted with conducting patterns and techniques for standard time signatures in duple and compound time, and with techniques for beginning and ending pieces
2. have developed interpretive skills and dispostions for the performance of choral music
3. have developed capacity to edit and arrange choral parts
4. be enabled to analyse choral works, through score and audio-visual modes

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Conducting workshops and choral studies lectures
Assignment Completion	45	Conducting practice, inc. assessment preparation
Portfolio Preparation	46	Choral analysis, arranging and editing coursework
Independent Study	12	Independent reading
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

Conducting techniques
• Basic conducting patterns • Interpretation • Motivating and training choirs • Choral (vocal) techniques

Editing and arranging
• Editing two and three part pieces using Sibelius software or equivalaent • Arranging folk song for youth choir

Analysis
• Stylistic knowledge of broad choral genres from the Renaissance to contemproary music • Analysis of short choral pieces according to phrasing, tonality, polyphony • Comparative analysis of audio-visual recordings in relation to conducting techniques and stylistic interpretation

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Professional Portfolio	Conducting performance 40% Choral portfolio 60%	100%	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

De Quadros, Andr: 2012, The Cambridge companion to choral music, Cambridge University Press,
Durrant, Colin: 2003, Choral conducting: philosophy and practice, Routledge,
Emmons, Shirlee; Chase, Constance: 2006, Prescriptions for choral excellence: tone, text, dynamic leadership, Oxford University Press,
Lamble, Walter: 2004, A handbook for beginning choral educators, Indiana University Press,
Rao, Doreen: 1994, We will sing: choral music experience for classroom choirs, Boosey & Hawkes,

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

BAJH	Bachelor of Arts (BAJH)
BAJHI	Bachelor of Arts (BAJHI)

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