Module: Improv Ensemble 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Improv Ensemble 2
Module Code	MPA1034 (ITS: MC218)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

This module will develop ideas from MC116 and give learners an opportunity to play through typical standard repertoire with an emphasis on Broadway standards and classic compositions by jazz composers, and in so doing help them develop their understanding and mastery of jazz language. Emphasis will be placed on the development of convincing idiomatic phrasing, both rhythmic and harmonic.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Play through standard repertoire in a convincing way with appropriate voice leading
5. 1
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7. Play in an rhythmically idiomatic way in typical classic jazz repertoire
10. 2
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12. Be comfortable in accompaniment roles.
15. 3
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17. Listen and respond to the musical ideas of others in real time
20. 4
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22. Be conversant with performance norms in standard jazz repertoire
25. 5
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27. Be capable of programming and performing an effective 30-minute public ensemble performance
30. 6

*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
Independent Study	162	Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
Independent Study	40	Critical listening
Total Workload: 250

Section Breakdown
CRN	11152	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	Cormac O'Brien	Module Teacher	Andrew Csibi, Chris Guilfoyle, Derek Whyte, Matthew Jacobson, Ronan Guilfoyle

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Performance evaluation	Practicing repertoire studied in class, with ‘playalong’ recordings, alone and with others	80%	Sem 2 End
Participation	Active participation in class and enthusiasm for ensemble work.	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 Bebop, Swing and Hard Bop traditions as well as Funk and simple Modal repertoire. Classic forms such as blues, Rhythm Changes and AABA and some different rhythmic forms, such as 3/4 and straight 8s will be covered.

- Developing convincing voice-leading skills

- Interaction between soloist and rhythm section

- Identification of important historical practitioners and how they inform the improvising tradition

- Swing vocabulary in 3/4

- Creating forward motion in soloing over changes

- Creating forward motion in soloing in modal situations

- Creating simple ‘head arrangements’ and the use of improvised backing techniques such as shout choruses

Indicative Reading List

Books:

0: How to Improvise, Advance Music, 186, 3892210314, 203868
0: The Jazz Theory Book, Sher Music Co., 522, 1883217040,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None