Module: Transcription 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Transcription 1
Module Code	MPA1000 (ITS: MC222)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module designed to introduce learners in how to use the memorising and reproduction of great solos as a learning tool, particularly as it relates to being able to absorb rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic vocabulary and incorporate it into their own playing. In addition, via the ‘Meta Transcription’ it will introduce learners to methods of deep listening to overall recordings as well as to individual solos. The workshop will include a survey of the tools necessary for accurate transcription such as aural analysis, singing, attention to stylistic detail and timbral nuance. In addition learners will explore how to use information discovered in transcription into their own playing.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to accurately reproduce six great solos by significant jazz performers
2. Expand their technical, and aural technique
3. Learn idiomatic vocabulary from the classic jazz tradition
4. Develop abilities in how to listen to music on a deep and detailed level
5. Develop stylistic authenticity on their instrument and broaden their own creativity and musical language

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly, A one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study	101	Practice of solos and written Meta Transcription
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10933	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Greg Felton	Module Teacher	Derek Whyte, Linda Adams

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Meta Transcription: A written table that will set out the important events on every track of a chosen album	10%	Sem 1 End
Performance evaluation	Each candidate will be asked to perform three solos from the prescribed list	90%	Sem 2 End

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Solo Transcriptions
- Memorise and learn to sing six solos from the transcription solo list (four from the candidates own instrument, two from different instruments)

- Memorise and learn to play the same six solos from the transcription solo list

- Reproducing nuances of phrasing and sound from the original recording

- Learning how to extract information from the chosen solos for individual use

Meta Transcription
Each candidate will be required to present a ‘Meta Transcription’ which will set out, in a table, all the important events that occur on a chosen album. The album can be chosen by the learner in consultation with the lecturer, but must come from the jazz canon. Features explored will include:

- Nature of the intro to every piece

- Melody characteristics of each piece

- Time signature of each piece

- Rhythmic feel of each piece

- Order of solos of each piece

- Ending of every piece

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Recordings: Approved list of transcription recordings,
App: Roni Music, 2014, Amazing Slowdowner,