Module: Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 1
Module Code	MPA1002 (ITS: MC101)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

This module builds students' musical knowledge, music writing, composition, and general musicianship skills through engaging with theoretical and practical aspects of melody writing, harmonic progressions, music notation, aural techniques, score reading, orchestration/arranging, music analysis, and digital musicianship. Students are introduced to various music writing skills and techniques, and to strategies and approaches for applying these skills in different musical contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Display, through various formats, an understanding of notation (treble and bass clefs), keys, and key changes
2. Display, through various formats, an understanding of chord construction, labelling and progression
3. Engage with a variety of musical texts in aural and written contexts through the use of critical musicianship skills
4. Demonstrate digital musicianship skills in music notation and editing
5. Illustrate, both theoretically and practically, technical skills and knowledge in arranging for small string orchestra

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	48	Lectures/Workshops
Independent Study	127	Independent Learning
Total Workload: 175

Section Breakdown
CRN	11127	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Barbara Dignam	Module Teacher	Clare Wilson, Laura Sheils, Roisin Nic Athlaoich

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Coursework Assignments	60%	n/a
Portfolio	Orchestration/Arranging and Musicianship Portfolio	40%	n/a

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

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

Stone, Stephen C.: 2018, Music Theory and Composition: A Practical Approach (ebook available on library website), Rowman & Littlefield Publishers,
Butterworth, Anna: 0, Harmony in Practice, ABRSM Publishing, London, 2000
Solomon, Jason W.: 2019, Music Theory Essentials: A Streamlined Approach to Fundamentals, Tonal Harmony, and Post-Tonal Materials (ebook available on library website), Routledge,
Wright, Craig: 2015, Listening to Music (ebook available on library website - only 3 users can access at same time), Cengage,
Brindle, Reginald Smith: 1986, Musical Composition, Oxford University Press,
Sevsay, Ertuğrul: 2013, The Cambridge guide to orchestration (hard back & ebook available on library website), Cambridge University Press,
Gordon, Jacob: 1982, Orchestration: A guide for students, Oxford Univeristy Press, Oxford,
Gould, Elaine: 2016, Behind bars: the definitive guide to music notation (book & ebook available on library website), Faber Music,
Lovelock, William: 2003, Two-part writing, Allans Music Australia, Spit Junction NSW,
Lovelock, William: 2003, Melody Writing, Allans Music Australia, Spit Junction NSW,
Lovelock, William: 0, First Year Harmony, Hammond and Co, London,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None