DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Composition, Theory & Applied Techniques 4
Module Code MPA1024 (ITS: MC202)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module extends students’ musical knowledge, music writing, composition and aural techniques through engaging with theoretical and practical aspects of four-part harmony, two-part counterpoint, and composition. It further develops students’ application of musical techniques through engagement with solfège, keyboard harmony and music technology, and deepens their awareness of stylistic context. Students are introduced to music writing skills, and to strategies for applying these skills in subsequent professional activities. Students are expected to attend lectures/workshops, engage in workshops and submit regular course work.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1DDFE02A-6958-0001-FC80-57601806CD00
2. Display, through solfège, analysis, written examples and music technology an understanding of melody writing and extension
5. 1
6. 1DDFE02A-698B-0001-3CD7-18D012361D1D
7. Display, through solfège, analysis, written examples and music technology an understanding of free counterpoint with modulations
10. 2
11. 1DDFE02A-69B7-0001-BC1C-1C811A40A130
12. Display, through solfège, analysis, written examples, keyboard harmony and music technology an understanding of harmony in four parts in both open (choral) and close (keyboard) positions, with modulations.
15. 3
16. 1DDFE02A-6CC1-0001-9F64-1F4038104300
17. Display, through solfège, analysis and written examples an understanding of trio writing in 18th century style; including the use of figured bass
20. 4
21. 1DDFE02A-76F3-0001-2FE6-18C01580DB20
22. Analyse and write all root position chords and 1st inversions of all triads, root position and all inversions of the dominant 7th chord, and a range of passing and cadential figures combining root, 1st inversions and second inversions chords.
25. 5
26. 1DDFE02A-7900-0001-93B7-1BA095561228
27. Display, through analysis and written examples an understanding of chord construction, labelling and progression
30. 6
31. 1DDFE02A-7BC0-0001-3D16-B5F71FEB2980
32. Display, through analysis and written examples an understanding of free counterpoint techniques
35. 7
36. 1DDFE02A-7CFE-0001-FEA3-1E0D1FE03410
37. Analyse melodic decoration in examples from the literature and apply a full range of techniques to their own writing
40. 8
41. 1DDFE02A-8525-0001-3677-7154CA17A1B0
42. Display, through analysis and written examples, a grasp of the principles of harmonising a Bach chorale
45. 9
46. 1DDFE02A-855B-0001-5D8B-306070A01F7D
47. Compose a short original piece in a given or chosen style utlising musical and technological skills
50. 10


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture36Lecture/workshops
Independent Study89Independent Learning
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20762Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorBarbara DignamModule TeacherClare Wilson, Hamidreza Golestanisani, Roisin Nic Athlaoich
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentFour set Harmony exercises40%n/a
AssignmentFour Set Counterpoint Exercises40%n/a
PortfolioComposition project20%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

Applied music theory
Close position harmony exercises; use of solfege; intervals

Harmony
• Theory of functional harmony with emphasis on Bach chorales • Chord construction, labelling and progression – authentic v. plagal steps • All primary and secondary chords, first Inversions and passing and cadential 6/4 chords • Cadences and modulations to near related keys • Writing/performing from a given chorale melody • Arranging/completing a short piano piece (or vocal/instrumental solo with piano) in late 18th century style.

Counterpoint
• Florid counterpoint • Prepared dissonances • Imitative entries • Suspensions in upper and lower parts • Melodic elaboration and contrapuntal writing • Rhythmic counterpoint in simple and compound metres • Modulation in counterpoint • Writing for string or woodwind duos or piano

Composition
• Theory and practice of music composition techniques in different styles; Composing for instrumental ensemble; Stylistic devices in manipulating thematic content; Digital musicianship skills

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Bowman, David and Terry, Paul: 1993, Aural Matters, Schott Educational Publications, Mainz,
  • Brindle, Reginald Smith: 1986, Musical Composition, Oxford University Press,
  • Brings, Alan: 1979, A New Approach to Keyboard Harmony, Norton,
  • Butterworth, Anna: 2000, Harmony in Practice, ABRSM Publishing, London,
  • Carse, Adam: 1932, Counterpoint Exercises, Stainer and Bell, London,
  • Cope, David: 1997, Techniques of the Contemporary Composer, Schirmer, New York,
  • Gordon, Jacob: 1982, Orchestration: A guide for students, Oxford Univeristy Press,
  • Kesztler, Lörinc: 1952, Össhangzattan, Zenemükiado, Budapest,
  • Legányné Hegyi, Erzsébet: 1975, Solfege according to the Kodály-concept, Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music, Kecskemét,
  • Lovelock, William: 2003, Two-part writing, Allans Music Australia, Spit Junction NSW,
  • Lovelock, William: 2003, Melody Writing, Allans Music Australia, Spit Junction NSW,
  • Oszkàr, Frank: 1978, A Funkciós Zene-Harmònia, Zenemükiado, Budapest,
  • Wilkinson, Roy: 1991, ABC of Harmony, Music Square, Singapore,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for MPA1024