Module: Jazz Composition 3

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Jazz Composition 3
Module Code	MPA1069 (ITS: MC406)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module designed to familiarise learners with the history of jazz composition, and to be able to compose pieces in the traditional idioms of jazz, and in a wide variety of styles. To appreciate the importance of instrumentation, orchestration, form and structure in contemporary jazz composition. Adding to techniques studied in JCO2, this module will pay particular attention to the use of extended form strategies in the creation of cohesive longer form pieces. Other techniques explored will include using different octave divisions to generate chord progressions, use of counterpoint, and the creation and use of pentatonic scales. The music of Hermeto Pascoal will be explored

Learning Outcomes

1. Be competent jazz composers, conversant with the arranging and compositional skills required to effectively maximise the impact of a composition.
2. Be familiar with a wide variety of contemporary jazz compositional techniques and resources
3. Be able to realise ideas within the context of the instrumental forces available
4. Be able to engage on a deep level with questions of structure and form and to be able to use these elements in their own music.

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11180	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

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Engagement with the subject during lectures, shown by participation, and having assignments prepared and rehearsed in time for performance during the lecture as shown on the roster	20%	Every Week
Music Composition	Performance of two original compositions with an ensemble as part of the final recital undertaken in MC407	80%	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 and approaches
Many compositional techniques and approaches will be covered including:

- Creating and using pentatonics as a compositional device

- Creating, developing and using motifs

- Creating a balance between the written and the improvised within a given piece

- Using different octave divisions to generate chord progressions

- Use of counterpoint

- Orchestration and formal considerations

- Extended form composition in jazz

- The music of Hermeto Pascoal

Throughout the year there will be opportunities for learners to perform their compositions and discuss them during the lecture.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Ted Pease; edited by Rick Mattingly: 0, Jazz composition, Berklee Press ; c2003., Boston, MA, 0876390017
Ulehla, Ludmila: 2015, Contemporary Harmony – Romanticism through the Twelve-Tone Row, Advance Music,
Costa-Lima Neto, Luiz: 2015, The Experimental Music of Hermeto Pascoal and Group, 1981-1993, Conception and Language, Pendragon Press, 9781576472248

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None