Module: Arranging 1 & 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Arranging 1 & 2
Module Code	MPA1030 (ITS: MC214)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will cover many arranging techniques including arranging a standard from a lead sheet, for one or two horns/voices plus 4-piece rhythm section, with an awareness of orchestration and range issues for the given instruments. Also covered will be writing block harmony (up to five-part) from a given melody line and transposition for different instruments. Techniques for arranging in various contemporary musical styles will be covered.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Be competent in arranging a standard tune from a lead sheet for up to five horns and rhythm section
5. 1
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7. Have an awareness of orchestration and range issues for the given instruments
10. 2
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12. Be able to write block harmony (up to five-part) from a given melody line
15. 3
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17. Be able to transpose for different instruments
20. 4
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22. Be competent in arranging in various contemporary musical styles
25. 5

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	48	Weekly, A two-hour group lecture
Independent Study	77	Written assignments
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11148	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	Linda Adams	Module Teacher	Patrice Brun

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Completion of homework assignments throughout the semester	30%	As required
Practical/skills evaluation	Semester 1 Final Assignment	30%	Sem 1 End
Practical/skills evaluation	Semester 2 Final Assignment	30%	Sem 2 End
Participation	In-class participation and attendance	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

Arranging 1
Arranging 1

- Development of musical concepts of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form as applied to the principles and techniques of writing and arranging for the rhythm section - Writing a lead-line for a solo instrument, two horns (trumpet plus alto or tenor saxophone), or voice. - Focus on the conceptual process of combining individual components to create a musically satisfying arrangement. - Study of various contemporary musical styles and musical concepts

- Writing a lead-line for a solo instrument, two horns (trumpet plus alto or tenor saxophone), or voice.

- Focus on the conceptual process of combining individual components to create a musically satisfying arrangement.

- The Study of various contemporary musical styles and musical concepts will also be covered.

Arranging 2
- Study of the properties of the trumpet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, trombone, and baritone saxophone - Soli and spread voicings - Using approach techniques - Melodic embellishment - Guide tone backgrounds

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Doezema, Bob: 1986, Arranging 1, Berklee College of Music,
Kennedy, Jay with Nolan, Donny and Gates, Jerry and Camp, Tommy: 1999, Arranging 1 Supplemental Material, 4th edition, Berklee College of Music,
Freedman, Bob and Pease, Ted: 1989, Arranging 2,, Berklee College of Music,
Bill Dobbins: 0, Jazz Arranging and Composing, Advance Music, 151, 3892210063
Pease, Ted and Pullig, Ken: 2001, Modern Jazz Voicings, Berklee Press Publications, 136, 0634014439
Gary Lindsay: 2005, Jazz Arranging Techniques from Quartet to Big Band, Staff Art Publishing, 0976027305
Coker, Jerry: 2016, A Guide to Jazz Composition and Arranging, Advanced Music, 9782892211368

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None