Module: Jazz Composition 3

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Jazz Composition 3
Module Code	MC406 (ITS) / MPA1069 (Banner)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan Guilfoyle
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

A module designed to familiarise learners with the history of jazz composition, and to be able to compose pieces in the traditional idioms of jazz, and in a wide variety of styles. To appreciate the importance of instrumentation, orchestration, form and structure in contemporary jazz composition. Adding to techniques studied in JCO2, this module will pay particular attention to the use of extended form strategies in the creation of cohesive longer form pieces. Other techniques explored will include using different octave divisions to generate chord progressions, use of counterpoint, and the creation and use of pentatonic scales. The music of Hermeto Pascoal will be explored

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent jazz composers, conversant with the arranging and compositional skills required to effectively maximise the impact of a composition.
2. Be familiar with a wide variety of contemporary jazz compositional techniques and resources
3. Be able to realise ideas within the context of the instrumental forces available
4. Be able to engage on a deep level with questions of structure and form and to be able to use these elements in their own music.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	48	Weekly, A two-hour weekly lecture-workshop
Independent Study	77	Writing and rehearsing original 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 and approaches
Many compositional techniques and approaches will be covered including: ° Creating and using pentatonics as a compositional device ° Creating, developing and using motifs ° Creating a balance between the written and the improvised within a given piece ° Using different octave divisions to generate chord progressions ° Use of counterpoint ° Orchestration and formal considerations ° Extended form composition in jazz ° The music of Hermeto Pascoal Throughout the year there will be opportunities for learners to perform their compositions and discuss them during the lecture.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Participation	Engagement with the subject during lectures, shown by participation, and having assignments prepared and rehearsed in time for performance during the lecture as shown on the roster	20%	Every Week
Music Composition	Performance of two original compositions with an ensemble as part of the final recital undertaken in MC407	80%	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
Ulehla, Ludmila: 2015, Contemporary Harmony – Romanticism through the Twelve-Tone Row, Advance Music,
Costa-Lima Neto, Luiz: 2015, The Experimental Music of Hermeto Pascoal and Group, 1981-1993, Conception and Language, Pendragon Press, 9781576472248

Other Resources

None