Latest Module Specifications
Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026
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Description The module builds on students’ musical knowledge, music writing, arranging and creative skills by extending topics explored in the previous two years of the course, for example: key relationships, chord construction and progression, voice leading, and theoretical and applied aspects of harmony and counterpoint. Students engage in detail with the harmonic language of the late Baroque and its application to choral and keyboard genres. Practical application of these components involves comparative discussion and musical analysis of idiomatic musical material and the setting of such as part of a stylistic techniques portfolio. Additionally, the module develops students’ aural perception and engagement with technology, and deepens their awareness of music writing in stylistic context. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Display, through analysis and written examples, a broad knowledge of functional harmony as it is employed in different contexts of art music 2. Illustrate, through analysis and writing, a critical understanding of harmonic principles of the late Baroque style 3. Demonstrate an understanding of stylistic writing in an imitative style for keyboard instrument, producing independent melodic lines from manipulated harmonic progressions 4. Illustrate, both theoretically and practically, technical skills and knowledge in arranging for orchestral forces across strings, wind, and brass instruments, showing sensitivity to voice-leading and textural balance 5. Employ music technology software in student-directed learning | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Techniques & Composition Content will focus on Chorale Harmonisations & Two-Part Counterpoint. Indicative content includes: • Harmonic language of the period • Melodic and harmonic conventions • Non-harmony notes incl. suspensions • Modulations to closely-related keys • Implied harmonies • Stylistic use of seventh chords • Imitative Counterpoint • Patterning and sequences • Bach's idioms and stylistic learned devices Orchestration Theoretical, analytical, and practical exploration of a number of techniques employed in orchestrating/arranging for full orchestra including the brass section • Revision of orchestration/arranging techniques for strings and woodwind, and introduction to brass families • Individual brass instruments and their uses as solo instruments, use of mutes, etc. • The horns as part of the woodwind section • The brass choir • Brass instruments as part of the orchestral tutti • Contrasting textures in orchestrating for woodwind, brass and strings • Analysis and discussion of examples from various orchestral repertoire Learning Resources Mixed media learning materials will be provided on Loop over the course of the module and students will engage in self-directed learning using online resources. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List Books:
Articles: None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Other Resources None | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||