Module: Performance, Choir, Aural & Keyboard 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Performance, Choir, Aural & Keyboard 1
Module Code	MPA1008 (ITS: MC108)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module includes distinct but complementary areas: choral singing as part of the DCU Lumen Chorale, Aural and Keyboard Skills through small-group teaching appropriate to students’ level of experience; and individual performance via subsidised instrumental/vocal tuition provided on-campus by expert tutors from an external School of Music. The module aims to develop students’ skills, critical awareness, and aural perception in music performance, experiential knowledge of musical style and genres, and vocal and instrumental technique, as well as their musical and interpersonal skills in the context of large-scale choral rehearsal and performance led by a professional conductor.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate music performance skills appropriate to year 1 of the programme.
2. Understand and critically evaluate concepts relating to relevant repertoire and musical style
3. Utilise fundamental skills and knowledge in the areas of musicianship/aural skills and keyboard skills, including accompaniment and transposition.
4. Draw on musical, organisational and interpersonal skills appropriate to choral singing and choral leadership.
5. Adapt and apply all relevant module competencies for teaching and musical leadership in school placement and professional contexts.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Seminars	16	Small-group Aural and Keyboard Skills classes
Lecture	44	Choral rehearsals and Performances
Directed learning	10	Individual instrumental/vocal lessons
Independent Study	55	Independent practice, preparation, and research
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11131	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	Roisin Blunnie	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Individual instrumental/vocal studies performance assessment	50%	Sem 2 End
Performance evaluation	Aural and Keyboard Skills: short ongoing assessments and final portfolio with reflective audio commentary	40%	As required
Participation	Attendance and quality of participation in DCU Lumen Chorale	10%	Every Week

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

Aural and Keyboard Skills
Small-group classes facilitate tailored teaching appropriate to students’ experience and stage of musical development in these areas. Repertoire is drawn from genres such as popular music, Irish traditional music, world musics, Baroque and Classical music, film music, and musical theatre, taking care to include a diverse selection of musical artists and composers. Learning activities include piano accompaniment, chord progressions in different keys, playing styles and patterns, individual and ensemble singing, sight-reading, memorization, improvisation, pedagogical processes for music teaching; using and creating digital resources for musical skill development.

Individual Instrumental/Vocal Performance
students take individual lessons in their chosen instrument(s), guided by specialist tutors. Lessons focus on technique, musical style and expression, performance strategies, and music literacy appropriate to the instrument.

Choir
Students sing as part of the DCU Lumen Chorale, a large choir of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass voices that brings together students from the 4 years of the B.Rel.Ed. and Music programme. Repertoire is drawn from styles such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, music of the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary music, arrangements of popular music and film music, rounds/canons and improvisation. Activities include choral-vocal training, choral warm-ups, ensemble singing appropriate to diverse musical styles, group sight-singing and musicianship, rehearsal technique, choral pedagogy and leadership, guidance and repertoire for leading school choirs, and performance in concerts, university events, and competitions.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Zoltán Kodály: 0, 333 Reading Exercises, Editio Musica Budapest,
Frank Abrahams,Paul D. Head: 2017, The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy, Oxford University Press, 545, 9780199373369
David Adams: 2008, A Handbook of Diction for Singers, Oxford University Press, USA, 227, 9780195325591
Chester L. Alwes: 2015, A History of Western Choral Music, Oxford University Press, USA, 504, 9780199361939
Edward Bolkovac and Judith Johnston: 2004, 150 Rounds for Singing and Teaching, Boosey & Hawkes Incorporated, 106, 9781458411426
Tone Bianca Dahl: 0, The Choir: Singing, Leading, Communicating, Cantando, 9788292494226
André de Quadros: 2012, The Cambridge Companion to Choral Music, Cambridge University Press,
Shirlee Emmons,Constance Chase: 2006, Prescriptions for Choral Excellence, Oxford University Press, 334, 9780195182422
Sabine Horstmann: 2009, Choral Vocal Technique, G I A Publications, 56, 9781579997373
Ursula Geisler,Karin Johansson: 2014, Choral Singing: Histories and Practices, Cambridge Scholars, 295, 9781443863315
Antal Molnár (ed.): 0, Classical Canons, Editio Musica Budapest,
John Rutter,Clifford Bartlett: 1996, European Sacred Music, Oxford University Press, 378, 9780193436954
Dennis Shrock: 2009, Choral Repertoire, Oxford University Press, 787, 9780195327786
Graham F. Welch: 2020, The Oxford Handbook of Singing, Oxford University Press, USA, 1200, 9780192894182
David Willcocks,John Rutter: 0, 100 Carols for Choirs, Oxford University Press, 9780193532274

Articles:
None

Other Resources

Handbook: Course Lecturers, DCU, Aural & Keyboard Skills Exercises,
Printed Music (online database): Music Scores (Public Domain), www.cpdl.org
Website: TEORIA, Ear-training Exercises, www.teoria.com/en/exercises