Module: Approved Style Ensemble 1

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Approved Style Ensemble 1
Module Code	MPA1031 (ITS: MC215)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will introduce learners to the mainstream idiomatic language of jazz with particular emphasis on swinging 8th note phrasing and good voice leading over chord changes. It will also introduce learners to classic jazz repertoire, such as music by Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, as well as Afro-Cuban music, and show the techniques necessary for successful performances of the material, both rhythmic and melodic.

Learning Outcomes

1. Play through chord changes in the swing idiom in a convincing way
2. Be familiar with core repertoire required of all jazz musicians
3. Be comfortable in accompaniment roles.
4. Listen and respond to the musical ideas of others in real time
5. Have an appreciation of the jazz language and tradition and the traditional roles of their voice or instrument in a jazz context

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	48	Weekly, A two-hour ensemble lecture/workshop, working with a lecturer on given repertoire
Fieldwork	77	Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11149	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	Cormac O'Brien	Module Teacher	Andrew Csibi, Derek Whyte, Jenna Harris, Patrice Brun

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Performance evaluation	In-class performance using repertoire studied in the first six weeks	15%	Week 6
Performance evaluation	In-class performance using repertoire studied in weeks seven to twelve	15%	Week 12
Performance evaluation	In-class performance using repertoire studied in weeks thirteen to eighteen	15%	Week 19
Performance evaluation	In-class performance using repertoire studied in weeks nineteen to twenty four	15%	Week 24
Performance evaluation	In-class performance using repertoire studied across all previous weeks	20%	Sem 2 End
Participation	Engagement and Participation	20%	As required

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

Repertoire Ensemble
Repertoire containing structures, chords, rhythms and grooves taken from the Broadway song book, Jazz Standard, Blues, Brazilian, and Funk idioms. Repertoire will come from the classic Hard Bop period, early modal repertoire, and Broadway standards.

- Developing voice leading ability in the swing idiom over chord changes

- Idiomatic melody interpretation

- Thematic development in soloing

- Acquisition of appropriately accompaniment techniques for such contemporary music as funk, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and swing idioms

- Developing an idiomatic swing rhythmic feel using swing 8th notes

- Learning repertoire containing structures, chords, rhythms and grooves taken from the swing, blues, Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and funk idioms.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Crook, Hal: 2015, How to Improvise, Advance Music, 186, 3892210314

Articles:
None

Other Resources

App: Biolcati, Massimo, 2014, iReal Pro, Technimo,
App: Battisti, Mauro, 2014, Drumgenius, Projazz Lab,