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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Jazz Composition 2
Module Code MC322
School 59
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Ronan Guilfoyle
Semester 2: Ronan Guilfoyle
Autumn: Ronan Guilfoyle
Module TeachersRonan Guilfoyle
Greg Felton
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
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;
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

  • 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
Programme or List of Programmes
JZCMBA in Jazz and Contemporary Music Perfor
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