Module: Rhythm Studies 4

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Rhythm Studies 4
Module Code	MPA1074 (ITS: MC411)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

Designed to help all participants in this module to develop a very strong rhythmic technique, capable of meeting all and any rhythmic challenges presented to them in the current professional milieu of jazz and improvised music in general. Expanding on techniques studied in RS3, this module will examine how to create three-part polyrhythmic compositions, play standards in odd metres and use metric modulation as an improvisational device

Learning Outcomes

1. Be able to sing a given melody while clapping a given rhythm
2. Be comfortable in playing standards in odd metres
3. Be able to recite complex Mukhtais and Korvais at the three speeds.
4. Be able to use metric modulation as a practical improvisatory creative tool
5. Know how to create polyrhythmic compositions

*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	11185	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	Derek Whyte

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Written Exam	Ensemble assessment covering metric modulation and odd metre techniques Learners will improvise over standards in odd metres and demonstrate an ability to use metric modulation creatively	25%	Other
Written Exam	A 15 minute individual assessment performing rhythmic techniques explored in the lecture-workshop. Learners will perform a series of rhythmic tasks, including performing a Korvai, singing a melody while clapping a different rhythmic cycle, and creating a polyrhythmic composition	55%	Sem 2 End
Participation	n/a	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	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

Developing skills that lead to more 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:

- Convincingly play standards in odd metres

- Use metric modulation as a creative tool for improvisation

- Develop a 3-part polyrhythmic composition

- Singing a symmetric melody while clapping an asymmetric rhythm

- Spontaneously reworking the melody of a standard tune to make it work in an odd metre

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Guilfoyle, Ronan: 1999, Creative Rhythmic Concepts for Jazz Improvisation, Newpark Music Centre,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None