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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Jazz Composition 2
Module Code MC322 (ITS) / MPA1056 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinatorRonan Guilfoyle
Module TeachersGreg Felton
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

A module that adds more formal and structural details to those studied in JCO1, this module is designed to introduce learners to formal compositional techniques and considerations. To show how ideas can be developed, how compositions can be constructed, and an awareness of instrumentation, development and effective presentation of ideas. Classic compositional styles, such as blues, Broadway song, and the writing of contrafacts will be explored, and considerations for applying critical thinking and criteria to self-composed music discussed.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent jazz composers
2. Be able to be able to compose pieces in the traditional idioms of jazz, and in a wide variety of styles.
3. Be familiar with a wide variety of contemporary jazz compositional techniques
4. Have the ability to create original compositions using a wide variety of techniques and resources
5. Become familiar with best technical performance practice when writing for others and how to achieve a personal artistic vision while writing music that will include others



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture48Weekly, A two-hour weekly lecture-workshop
Independent Study77Writing and rehearsing compositions
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

Compositional Techniques
A study of compositional techniques through a survey of various techniques and classic jazz compositions and forms. Areas covered will include: ° Compositional form and structure ° Arranging, and effective use of instruments ° Applying critical thinking and criteria to self-composed music ° Study of classic Broadway song forms ° Study of classic Hard Bop song forms ° Study of classic Wayne Shorter compositions ° Study of classic Thelonious Monk compositions ° Study of various Blues forms ° Writing contrafacts ° Modal compositions ° Writing Ballads ° Writing from rhythm

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Written ExamCreation of two musical compositions and public presentation through live performance in a concert setting100%Sem 2 End
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

  • Ted Pease; edited by Rick Mattingly: 0, Jazz composition, Berklee Press ; c2003., Boston, MA, 0876390017
  • by Leonard Feather; appreciations by Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and John Hammond: 1984, The encyclopedia of jazz, Da Capo Press, New York, N.Y., 9780306802140
  • Richard Sussman, Michael Abene: 0, Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Digital Age, Oxford University Press, USA, 9780195381009
Other Resources

None

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