Module: Instrumental Labs 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Instrumental Labs 1
Module Code	MPA1014 (ITS: MC117)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module designed to provide learners with appropriate stylistic considerations for their instrument, particularly as it relates to the mainstream language of jazz and contemporary music performance, both in soloing and accompaniment. Learners are grouped by instrument and work on typical techniques for their respective instruments, with an emphasis on how they perform in a group setting.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent performers on their respective instruments or voice
2. Have a working knowledge of stylistic norms for their instruments or voice
3. Be competent in the typical conventions of performance practice in jazz.
4. Where appropriate, show an ability to accompany in a stylistic appropriate way

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Weekly one-hour group lecture
Independent Study	103	Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11137	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Matthew Jacobson	Module Teacher	Alexandra Ioana Potinga Cotosman, Andrew Csibi, Patrice Brun, Shane Latimer, So-Young Yoon

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	End of Second Semester Performance Assessment - a 20 minute individual assessment based on techniques covered throughout module	80%	Sem 2 End
Participation	Participation and engagement throughout module	20%	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

An introduction to instrument-appropriate techniques
An introduction to instrument-appropriate techniques, stylistic approaches for group playing and soloing, and accompaniment techniques where relevant. Learners will acquire a skill set that will be typical of that required by the contemporary performer on their instrument. Taking the form of a group instrumental or vocal lecture, covering appropriate stylistic devices and technical approaches relevant to the instrument/voice and designed to assist in developing strong technical and stylistic vocabulary. Techniques discussed, depending on instrument, may include, but not be limited to such techniques as: Developing reading skills Rhythm section techniques Development of idiomatic soloing vocabulary Development of idiomatic accompaniment vocabulary Survey of historically important developments in particular instruments or voice Guidance towards exemplary recorded examples of techniques under discussion

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Application, Avi Bortnick, Time Guru,
426263: 1, Application, Technimo, LLC, iReal Pro,