Module: Rhythm Studies 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Rhythm Studies 1
Module Code	MPA1018 (ITS: MC121)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Designed to help all participants in this module to develop a very strong rhythmic technique, capable of meeting the various challenges presented to them in the current professional milieu of jazz and improvised music in general. This is achieved through singing and clapping various exercises, reading of rhythmic notation and the study of various techniques used in Indian and Afro-Cuban music

Learning Outcomes

1. Be adept at accurately subdividing given pulses
2. Be aware of the different claves in Afro-Cuban music
3. Be familiar with the Korvai concept in Indian music
4. Be adept at rhythmic reading
5. Be able to reproduce given polyrhythms through singing and clapping simultaneously
6. Have a very strong overall rhythmic technique

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	24	Weekly, A one-hour lecture-workshop
Independent Study	101	Practical work and rhythmic practice
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11141	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	Ronan Guilfoyle	Module Teacher	Derek Whyte, Greg Felton

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Engagement with the material	20%	As required
Practical/skills evaluation	Each candidate will practice mastering a series of rhythmic tasks, all of which will have been covered in the Rhythm Studies module during the current academic year	80%	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

Skills that lead to more complete rhythmic awareness
Skills that lead to more complete rhythmic awareness will be demonstrated and information given on effective ways to practice these skills. Content will aim, through physical practice, to develop the rhythmic technique of participants through such techniques as:

- Subdivision skills,

- Knowledge of Korvais

- Knowledge of Claves

- Polyrhythmic singing and clapping

- Rhythmic reading

- Rhythmic Displacement skills

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Louis Bellson, Gil Breines: 2000, Modern Reading Text, Alfred Publishing Company, 91, 0769233775

Articles:
None

Other Resources

App: Electronic Metronome App,
App: Battisti, Mauro, 2014, Drumgenius, Projazz Lab,