Module: Instrumental Skills 3

Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title	Instrumental Skills 3
Module Code	MPA1059 (ITS: MC325)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Developing ideas and techniques studied in Instrumental Skills 2, this module is designed to give instrumentalists and vocalists a strong technique on their respective instruments, to help them develop appropriate stylistic repertoire for their instrument, particularly as it relates to ensemble performance, and to assist them with instrumental and technical issues they may have in other modules.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent performers on their instrument or voice
2. Be aware of appropriate technical and style considerations for hard bop, post-bop and contemporary groove music
3. Be comfortable with melodic soloing repertoire typical of the contemporary swing idiom
4. Display an awareness of the idiomatic phrasing – both rhythmic and harmonic – of contemporary jazz
5. Be comfortable in a contemporary jazz improvisation milieu in the professional music sphere

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Tutorial	16.5	Weekly 45-minute one-to-one lesson with lecturer
Independent Study	108.5	Instrumental/vocal practice, both individually, and with others
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11120	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	Brendan Doyle, Cormac O'Brien, Greg Felton, Jenna Harris, Kevin Brady, Linda Adams, Scott Flanigan, Thomas Halferty

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
Participation	Participation and engagement throughout module	20%	Other

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

Instrument-appropriate techniques
A module that covers specific and instrument-appropriate techniques, all of which will be relevant to the technical performance practice of the learner’s voice/instrument. Areas covered, depending on instrument, may include, but not be limited to • Scalar considerations and practice • Contemporary swing idiom vocabulary • Contemporary technique considerations • Rhythmic consistency and idiomatic depth, • Sound considerations • Developing the ability to construct a solo in a chromatic harmony setting • Stylistic authenticity within various contemporary genres such as modern swing, jazz-funk, Afro-Cuban or Brazilian music

Indicative Reading List

Books:

John Ramsay,Alan Dawson: 1998, The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary as Taught by Alan Dawson, Alfred Music Publishing, 88, 0769265243
Charlie Parker: 1978, Charlie Parker omnibook, Alfred Music Publishing, 148, 9780769260532
Mark Levine: 0, The Jazz Piano Book, Sher Music, 9780961470159

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: Application, Avi Bortnick, Time Guru,
426277: 1, Application, Technimo, LLC, iReal Pro,