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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 2
Module Code MPA1003 (ITS: MC102)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 7.5
Description

This module extends students’ musical knowledge, music writing, composition and aural techniques through engaging with theoretical and practical aspects of functional harmony, counterpoint, arranging, orchestration, and composition. It further develops students’ aural perception of musical techniques, and deepens their awareness of stylistic context. Students are introduced to music writing skills, and to strategies for applying musicianship skills in subsequent learning activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Display, through analysis and written examples, a grasp of the principles of functional harmony
2. Display, through analysis and written examples, an understanding of harmony in three and four parts, including chord construction, labelling and progression
3. Display, through analysis and written examples, an understanding of imitative and free contrapuntal techniques
4. Demonstrate advanced musicianship skills in analysis, notation, and critical engagement with music
5. Illustrate, both theoretically and practically, technical skills and knowledge in arranging for small string orchestra
6. Write a short composition in a given style using appropriate technical and creative approaches


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture48No Description
Independent Study127No Description
Total Workload: 175
Section Breakdown
CRN20758Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorBarbara DignamModule TeacherClare Wilson, Lucia Mac Partlin, Roisin Nic Athlaoich
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentCoursework assignments50%n/a
ProjectComposition Project25%n/a
PortfolioOrchestration/Arranging and Musicianship Portfolio25%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

Two part functional harmony
Principles of functional harmony including elementary modulation. Chord construction, labelling and progression. Primary and secondary chords (I, ii, IV, V, vi). First Inversions. Cadential figures. Adding a bass line with chordal support to a given soprano melody. Modulations to dominant and relative keys. Major and minor keys up to four flats or four sharps.

Four part harmonisation
Principles of functional harmony. Chord construction, labelling and progression. Primary and secondary chords (I, ii, IV, V, vi). First Inversions. Cadential figures. Adding parts for alto, tenor and bass to a given soprano melody. Major and minor keys up to four flats or four sharps.

Counterpoint
Principles of counterpoint. Imitative Counterpoint – adding a soprano melody to a given bass line. Labelling supporting harmony. Major and minor keys up to four flats or four sharps.

Orchestration/Creative Arranging
• Ranges, voicings, and groupings of string instruments • Transposing instruments & use of different clefs • Transcribing keyboard arrangements to string orchestrations • Writing/Arranging for small string orchestra

Composition
Study of range, techniques and sonorities of string orchestra instruments. Analytical study of orchestral scores. Arranging/Orchestrating for String Orchestra

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Archibald, Jean and Marmion Bernadette: 2003, Music Workout, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dubliln,
  • Brindle, Reginald Smith: 1986, Musical Composition, Oxford University Press,
  • Butterworth, Anna: 2000, Harmony in Practice, ABRSM Publishing, London,
  • Gordon, Jacob (1982): 1982, Orchestration: A guide for students, Oxford Univeristy Press,
  • Legányné Hegyi, Erzsébet: 1972, Solfege according to the Kodály-concept, Kecskemét, Pedagogical Institute of Music, Zoltán Kodály,
  • 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,
  • Wilkinson, Roy: 1991, ABC of Harmony, Music Square, Singapore,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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