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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Rhythm Studies 4
Module Code MC411 (ITS) / MPA1074 (Banner)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
Module Co-ordinatorRonan Guilfoyle
Module TeachersDerek Whyte
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Repeat examination
Description

Designed to help all participants in this module to develop a very strong rhythmic technique, capable of meeting all and any rhythmic challenges presented to them in the current professional milieu of jazz and improvised music in general. Expanding on techniques studied in RS3, this module will examine how to create three-part polyrhythmic compositions, play standards in odd metres and use metric modulation as an improvisational device

Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to sing a given melody while clapping a given rhythm
2. Be comfortable in playing standards in odd metres
3. Be able to recite complex Mukhtais and Korvais at the three speeds.
4. Be able to use metric modulation as a practical improvisatory creative tool
5. Know how to create polyrhythmic compositions



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Weekly, A one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study101Rhythmic practice
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

Developing skills that lead to more complex rhythmic techniques
Skills that lead to more complex rhythmic techniques will be demonstrated and information given on effective ways to practice these skills. Content will aim, through physical practice, to develop the rhythmic technique of participants through such techniques as: ° Convincingly play standards in odd metres ° Use metric modulation as a creative tool for improvisation ° Develop a 3-part polyrhythmic composition ° Singing a symmetric melody while clapping an asymmetric rhythm ° Spontaneously reworking the melody of a standard tune to make it work in an odd metre

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Written ExamEnsemble assessment covering metric modulation and odd metre techniques Learners will improvise over standards in odd metres and demonstrate an ability to use metric modulation creatively25%Other
Written ExamA 15 minute individual assessment performing rhythmic techniques explored in the lecture-workshop. Learners will perform a series of rhythmic tasks, including performing a Korvai, singing a melody while clapping a different rhythmic cycle, and creating a polyrhythmic composition55%Sem 2 End
Participationn/a20%n/a
Indicative Reading List

  • Guilfoyle, Ronan: 1999, Creative Rhythmic Concepts for Jazz Improvisation, Newpark Music Centre,
Other Resources

None

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