Module: Instrumental Labs 3

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Instrumental Labs 3
Module Code	MPA1058 (ITS: MC324)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module which adds to the techniques and stylistic considerations studied in Instrumental Labs 2, this module is designed to provide learners with appropriate stylistic considerations for their instrument, particularly as it relates to the contemporary language of jazz performance, both in soloing and accompaniment. Learners will acquire a skill set that will be typical of that required by the contemporary performer on their instrument, including the use of various contemporary grooves such as odd-metre funk, Afro-Cuban and Brazilian techniques, and post-bop rhythm section practices.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent performers on their respective instruments or voice
2. Have an adequate grasp of stylistic norms for their instruments and the typical conventions of contemporary performance
3. Rhythm section players will show a knowledge of the major innovators in the accompaniment tradition on their instruments
4. Melody instrument players will show a grasp of contemporary stylistic devices typical for their instrument

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Group Based Workshops	22	Weekly one-hour group workshop
Independent Study	103	Instrumental/vocal practice, both individually, and with others
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11119	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	Matthew Jacobson	Module Teacher	Alexandra Ioana Potinga Cotosman, Chris Guilfoyle, Cormac O'Brien, Kevin Brady, Patrice Brun, Scott Flanigan

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Technical work and instrumental or vocal practice appropriate to the studied techniques	80%	Sem 2 End
Written Exam	Attendance, participation and engagement throughout module	20%	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	,
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

Performance Practice Skills
This module will cover specific techniques, all of which will be relevant to typical performance practice of their voice/instrument. The techniques explored may be technical or stylistic. Areas which may be looked at will include, but not be limited to, walking bass lines, advanced harmony, grooves of different kinds, ride cymbal time feel, solo vocabulary, and contemporary rhythmic styles, and appropriate timbral considerations. Techniques discussed, depending on instrument, may include, but not be limited to such techniques as: • Further developing reading skills • Rhythm section techniques • Development of idiomatic soloing vocabulary • Development of good time feel in different idioms • Playing in Odd Metres • The use of chromatic harmony as an soloing and accompaniment device • Development of idiomatic accompaniment vocabulary • Survey of historically important developments in particular instruments or voice • Guidance towards exemplary recorded examples of techniques under discussion

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Ted Reed: 0, Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer, Alfred Publishing, 0882847953
John Goldsby: 0, The jazz bass book, Backbeat Books, 0879307161
Cathrine Sadolin: 0, Complete Vocal Technique, Shout Publications, 9788799243617
Mick Goodrick: 1987, The Advancing Guitarist, Hal Leonard Corporation, 0881885894

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Application, Technimo LLC, iReal Pro,
0: 1, Application, Avi Bortnick, Time Guru,