Module: Advanced Harmony & Counterpoint

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Advanced Harmony & Counterpoint
Module Code	MPA1050 (ITS: MC309)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Students will learn advanced concepts in harmony and counterpoint through composition exercises, listening tasks, and performance. This is achieved through the completion of weekly exercises in contemporary a cappella arrangement. The student will consider the importance of extended chords and their voicings in 5 parts, advanced modulation, non-functional harmony and vocal emulation of instrumental timbres. Additionally, the module develops students’ aural perception skills and facilitates further experience of appropriate technology resources, as well as providing demonstration and discussion of appropriate use of content and techniques in teaching and research.

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of harmony and counterpoint in the contemporary a cappella style.
2. Acquire literacy, performance and compositional skills using the harmonic and contrapuntal resources of contemporary a cappella repertoire.
3. Apply the accepted conventions in the notation of choral music to a professional standard.
4. Present compositional exercises using appropriate notational software
5. Adapt the acquired compositional, technological and literacy skills to the contexts of teaching and research.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lectures on course content, including practical demonstration and participation through vocal performance.
Assignment Completion	48	Weekly exercises in prescribed areas of course work.
Independent Study	53	Music listening and score reading related to course content
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11164	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Seán Doherty	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Music Composition	n/a	20%	n/a
Music Composition	n/a	20%	n/a
Music Composition	n/a	60%	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

Arranging contemporary a cappella
Lead sheets, Rhythmic Counterpoint between melody and bass functions, Notation and Editing, Emulation, Backing Vocals, Vocal Percussion, Choral Reduction, Front Matter

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Sharon, Deke; Bell, Dylan,: 2012, A cappella arranging, Hal Leonard, Milwaukee, WI,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

0: Spotify, www.spotify.com, 50296,
0: MuseScore Resources, www.musescore.org, 50298,
0: Specially designed resources,