Module: Jazz Composition 2

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Jazz Composition 2
Module Code	MPA1056 (ITS: MC322)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module that adds more formal and structural details to those studied in JCO1, this module is designed to introduce learners to formal compositional techniques and considerations. To show how ideas can be developed, how compositions can be constructed, and an awareness of instrumentation, development and effective presentation of ideas. Classic compositional styles, such as blues, Broadway song, and the writing of contrafacts will be explored, and considerations for applying critical thinking and criteria to self-composed music discussed.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent jazz composers
2. Be able to be able to compose pieces in the traditional idioms of jazz, and in a wide variety of styles.
3. Be familiar with a wide variety of contemporary jazz compositional techniques
4. Have the ability to create original compositions using a wide variety of techniques and resources
5. Become familiar with best technical performance practice when writing for others and how to achieve a personal artistic vision while writing music that will include others

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	48	Weekly, A two-hour weekly lecture-workshop
Independent Study	77	Writing and rehearsing compositions
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11168	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	Ronan Guilfoyle	Module Teacher	Greg Felton

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Written Exam	Creation of two musical compositions and public presentation through live performance in a concert setting	100%	Sem 2 End

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

Compositional Techniques
A study of compositional techniques through a survey of various techniques and classic jazz compositions and forms. Areas covered will include:

- Compositional form and structure

- Arranging, and effective use of instruments

- Applying critical thinking and criteria to self-composed music

- Study of classic Broadway song forms

- Study of classic Hard Bop song forms

- Study of classic Wayne Shorter compositions

- Study of classic Thelonious Monk compositions

- Study of various Blues forms

- Writing contrafacts

- Modal compositions

- Writing Ballads

- Writing from rhythm

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Ted Pease; edited by Rick Mattingly: 0, Jazz composition, Berklee Press ; c2003., Boston, MA, 0876390017
by Leonard Feather; appreciations by Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and John Hammond: 1984, The encyclopedia of jazz, Da Capo Press, New York, N.Y., 9780306802140
Richard Sussman, Michael Abene: 0, Jazz Composition and Arranging in the Digital Age, Oxford University Press, USA, 544, 9780195381009

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None