Module: Rhythm Studies 3

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Rhythm Studies 3
Module Code	MPA1060 (ITS: MC326)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Building on techniques and ideas studied in RS2, this module will broaden the expertise of learners in particular in the areas of polyrhythms and subdivision. Learners will be introduced to singing and clapping using multiple polyrhythms, both in odd and even metres, singing bass lines while clapping different rhythms, and reciting Mukhtais and Korvais at the three speeds.

Learning Outcomes

1. Be comfortable singing and clapping using multiple polyrhythms both in odd and even metres
2. Be able to sing bass lines to standard tunes while clapping different rhythms
3. Be able to recite Mukhtais and Korvais at the three speeds.
4. Be adept at rhythmic reading
5. Develop a rhythmic technique which will allow learners to engage fluently and artistically within contemporary rhythmic environments

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Weekly, A one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study	101	Rhythmic practice
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11172	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
Performance evaluation	Practicing, alone and with others, a series of rhythmic tasks, all of which will have been covered in the Rhythm Studies module during the current academic year.	80%	Sem 2 End
Participation	Engagement with the material	20%	As required

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

Complex rhythmic techniques
Skills that lead to more complex rhythmic techniques will be demonstrated and information given on effective ways to practice these skills. Content will aim, through physical practice, to develop the rhythmic technique of participants through such techniques as:

- Singing a melody while clapping a fixed rhythmic pattern

- Singing a melody while clapping two other independent rhythms

- Reciting a Korvai at three different speeds

- Sight reading passages written in odd metres

- Singing the bass line to a standard song while clapping different rhythms

- Subdivision skills,

- Singing a symmetric melody while clapping an asymmetric rhythm

- Rhythmic Displacement skills

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Louis Bellson, Gil Breines: 0, Modern Reading Text, Alfred Publishing Company, 91, 0769233775
Guilfoyle, Ronan: 1999, Creative Rhythmic Concepts for Jazz Improvisation, Newpark Music Centre,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

App: Battisti, Mauro, 2014, Drumgenius, Projazz Lab,