Module: Instrumental Labs 4

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Instrumental Labs 4
Module Code	MPA1072 (ITS: MC409)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A module, appropriate to Year 4 ,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. Building from techniques studied in INVLA3, the techniques under examination may include the use of metric modulation as an improvisational tool, methods of building melodies over complex harmony and contemporary rhythm section techniques such as mixed metre accompaniment in straight 8s styles

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 metric modulation techniques and contemporary grooves and rhythmic techniques
4. Melody instrument players and singers will show a grasp of contemporary stylistic devices typical for their instrument

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	24	Weekly, A one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study	101	Instrumental/vocal Practice, both individually, and with others
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	11183	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	Derek Whyte, Greg Felton, Patrice Brun, Thomas Halferty

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Performance evaluation	20 minute individual assessment based on techniques covered in tutorials. Technical work and developing stylistic authenticity within the jazz and improvised music idiom	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

Performance practice of voice or instrument
Learners will study various techniques and proficiencies, all of which will be relevant to typical performance practice of their voice or instrument. The techniques may be technical or stylistic. Areas which will be covered may include, but not be limited to, metric modulation techniques for rhythm section, advanced harmony, grooves of different kinds, solo vocabulary, 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 ˆ Rhythm section techniques - Development of idiomatic soloing vocabulary - Development of good time feel in different idioms - Playing in Odd Metres - Use of metric modulation as an improvising tool - 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:

Oscar Beringer (Composer): 0, Oscar Beringer: Daily Technical Studies for Piano, Alfred Publishing Company, 152, 076926414X
Crook, Hal: 2015, How to Comp: A Study in Jazz Accompaniment, Advance Music, 020630255X
Guilfoyle, Conor: 2010, Rhythmic Reading for drummers,, Advance Music,
Coolman, Todd: 2010, The Bass Tradition: Past Present Future, Aebersold Publications,
Ted Reed: 0, Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer, Alfred Pub Co, 0882847953
Mike Campbell: 0, Sightsinging: The Complete Method for Singers, Musicians Institute, 159, 0793581915
Peckham, Anne: 2010, The Contemporary Singer: Elements of Vocal Technique, 2nd edition, Berklee Press,
Goodrick, Mick: 0, Advancing Guitarist, Hal Leonard, 0881885894
Morello, Joe: 1983, Master studies volume 1, Modern Drummer publications,
Marvin Dahlgren, Elliot Fine: 0, 4-Way Coordination, Warner Brothers Publications, 0769233708
Lateef, Yusef: 1999, 123 Duets for all treble clef instruments, FANA Music,
Guilfoyle, Conor: 2006, Odd meter clave for Drumset, Advance Music,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

1: App, Biolcati, Massimo, 2014, iReal Pro, Technimo