Module: Performance: Skills, Strategies & Aesthetics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Performance: Skills, Strategies & Aesthetics
Module Code	MPA1080 (ITS: MC418)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will assist the learner in developing strong performance skills and an understanding of the role of the performer in different live situations. It will help learners to build confidence, to develop an understanding of their own motivation as a performer, and assist them to develop an awareness of the role of a performer in today’s society. Through discussion, listening and reading, learners will be encouraged to self-reflect on how they engage with performance in their own work, and develop an understanding of the performances of others.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1E37A36A-FC4F-0001-DD89-1B4DC100B3C0
2. 1. Be comfortable and confident as performers in different situations
4. 22,17,18,16,23,21,10
5. 1
6. 1E37A36B-120E-0001-B2E7-1E8D76A01C7F
7. As performers, to be aware of their relationship to the society in which they live
9. 22,20,7,6,23,19,21
10. 2
11. 1E37A36B-1E88-0001-FEDD-85A0DF8AF300
12. Be familiar with strategies for creating consistently strong performances
14. 22,17,18,16,23,11,10
15. 3
16. 1E37A36B-2EE2-0001-366F-7D3418C0FB00
17. Be adept at problem solving in a performance setting
19. 22,17,20,18,16,23,19,21
20. 4
21. 1E37A36B-3B77-0001-6FE3-FD7567C51A75
22. Be adept at effectively organising themselves and others to ensure the delivery of effective performances
24. 22,7,6,23,8,21,11,9,10
25. 5
26. 1E37A36B-54CF-0001-9EB7-1A817AA05A70
27. Have a clear idea of what constitutes a strong and convincing performance
29. 22,17,18,16,23,21,11,9,10
30. 6

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	No Description
Independent Study	60	Researching appropriate performance by others, reflecting and researching on one’s own performance practice
Assignment Completion	10	No Description
Total Workload: 92

Section Breakdown
CRN	20774	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Ronan Guilfoyle	Module Teacher	Laura Guilfoyle

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Participation	Engagement and Participation	20%	n/a
Assignment	An essay on a specific performance given by an artist	40%	Week 12
Assignment	The learner introduces a new piece of music to the ensemble, teaches it to them, and works with them to develop it	40%	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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Berliner, Paul F.: 1994, Thinking in Jazz: The Infinite Art of Improvisation,, Chicago University Press, Chicago,
Ratliff, Ben: 2008, Coltrane: The Story of a Sound,, Picador,
Gioia, Ted: 2016, How to Listen to Jazz, Basic Books,
Liebman, David: 1996, Self-Portrait of a Jazz Artist, Musical Thoughts and Reflections, Advance Music,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None