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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Instrumental Labs 4
Module Code MC409 (ITS) / MPA1072 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinatorMatthew Jacobson
Module TeachersDerek Whyte, Greg Felton, Jenna Harris, Patrice Brun, Thomas Halferty
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, appropriate to Year 4 ,designed to provide learners with appropriate stylistic considerations for their instrument, particularly as it relates to the contemporary language of jazz performance, both in soloing and accompaniment. Learners will acquire a skill set that will be typical of that required by the contemporary performer on their instrument. Building from techniques studied in INVLA3, the techniques under examination may include the use of metric modulation as an improvisational tool, methods of building melodies over complex harmony and contemporary rhythm section techniques such as mixed metre accompaniment in straight 8s styles

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent performers on their respective instruments or voice
2. Have an adequate grasp of stylistic norms for their instruments and the typical conventions of contemporary performance
3. Rhythm section players will show a knowledge of metric modulation techniques and contemporary grooves and rhythmic techniques
4. Melody instrument players and singers will show a grasp of contemporary stylistic devices typical for their instrument



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Workshop24Weekly, A one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study101Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
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

Performance practice of voice or instrument
Learners will study various techniques and proficiencies, all of which will be relevant to typical performance practice of their voice or instrument. The techniques may be technical or stylistic. Areas which will be covered may include, but not be limited to, metric modulation techniques for rhythm section, advanced harmony, grooves of different kinds, solo vocabulary, contemporary rhythmic styles, and appropriate timbral considerations. Techniques discussed, depending on instrument, may include, but not be limited to such techniques as: ° Further developing reading skills ˆ Rhythm section techniques ° Development of idiomatic soloing vocabulary ° Development of good time feel in different idioms ° Playing in Odd Metres ° Use of metric modulation as an improvising tool ° The use of chromatic harmony as an soloing and accompaniment device ° Development of idiomatic accompaniment vocabulary ° Survey of historically important developments in particular instruments or voice ° Guidance towards exemplary recorded examples of techniques under discussion

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Performance evaluation20 minute individual assessment based on techniques covered in tutorials. Technical work and developing stylistic authenticity within the jazz and improvised music idiom80%Sem 2 End
Participationn/a20%n/a
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

  • Oscar Beringer (Composer): 0, Oscar Beringer: Daily Technical Studies for Piano, Alfred Publishing Company, 076926414X
  • Crook, Hal: 2015, How to Comp: A Study in Jazz Accompaniment, Advance Music, 020630255X
  • Guilfoyle, Conor: 2010, Rhythmic Reading for drummers,, Advance Music,
  • Coolman, Todd: 2010, The Bass Tradition: Past Present Future, Aebersold Publications,
  • Ted Reed: 0, Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer, Alfred Pub Co, 0882847953
  • Mike Campbell: 0, Sightsinging: The Complete Method for Singers, Musicians Institute, 0793581915
  • Peckham, Anne: 2010, The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique, 2nd edition, Berklee Press,
  • Goodrick, Mick: 0, Advancing Guitarist, Hal Leonard, 0881885894
  • Morello, Joe: 1983, Master studies volume 1, Modern Drummer publications,
  • Marvin Dahlgren, Elliot Fine: 0, 4-Way Coordination, Warner Brothers Publications, 0769233708
  • Lateef, Yusef: 1999, 123 Duets for all treble clef instruments, FANA Music,
  • Guilfoyle, Conor: 2006, Odd meter clave for Drumset, Advance Music,
Other Resources

31390, App, Biolcati, Massimo, 2014, iReal Pro, Technimo,

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