Module:

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

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Module Title
Module Code	(ITS: MC517)
Faculty		School
NFQ level		Credit Rating

Description

This module will build on stylistic, interpretative, and technical insights gained in MC514: Conducting, Interpretation and Style. Students will learn and reflect on effective means through which deep scholarly knowledge of musical style and interpretative conventions may be translated into proficiently and efficiently led artistic expression in rehearsal and performance. The module will examine strategies for vocal leadership and voice care, rehearsal technique, development of choral tone, ensemble balance and blend, and traditional and innovative approaches to concert programming. Students will acquire competence in identifying, and forming strategies for overcoming, vocal and musical challenges with respect to stylistically diverse repertoire.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate critical awareness of musical style and vocal technique pertaining to choral repertoire from a range of eras and genres.
2. Source, evaluate, and utilise scholarly literature, edited scores, and translations to support the formulation of stylistic interpretations of choral repertoire
3. Plan and lead effective choir rehearsals, demonstrating and communicating constructive musical guidance in the preparation of pieces.
4. Draw on deep knowledge of musical structure and harmonic language for the analysis and interpretation of choral works.
5. Translate analytical and interpretative preparation and stylistic knowledge of choral repertoire into rehearsal and performance, via conducting gesture and vocal leadership.
6. Perceive, analyse, and problem-solve in relation to tuning, balance, blend, tone, pronunciation, style, and expression, based on critical listening, engagement with scholarly literature, and knowledge of vocal technique.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Lecture-seminars in choral leadership
Workshop	2	Vocal workshop
Independent Study	36	Preparation: rehearsal and conducting
Independent Study	32	Preparation: ensemble singing
Independent Study	62	Critical music listening/viewing
Independent Study	96	Independent research
Total Workload: 250

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Practical/skills evaluation	Rehearsal and performance of a prescribed choral piece (or section thereof), with prepared score and translation, and analytical commentary	50%	Sem 2 End
Research Paper	Written paper in choral leadership	50%	Once per semester

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

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Indicative Reading List

Books:

Alwes, Chester Lee: 2015, A History of Western Choral Music (2 vols.), Oxford University Press,
Bonshor, Michael: 2017, The Confident Choir: A Handbook for Leaders of Group Singing, Rowman and Littlefield,
De Quadros, André: 2012, The Cambridge Companion to Choral Music, Cambridge University Press,
Edwards, Gareth: 2015, Community As Leadership, Edward Elgar Publishing,
Emmons, Shirlee: 2006, Prescriptions for Choral Excellence: Tone, Text, Dynamic Leadership, Oxford University Press,
Garnett, Liz: 2009, Choral Conducting and the Construction of Meaning: Gesture, Voice, Identity, Ashgate,
Head, Paul, and Frank Abrahams (eds.): 2017, The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy, Oxford University Press,
Johansson, Karin, and Ursula Geisler (eds.): 2014, Choral Singing: Histories and Practices, Cambridge Scholars,
Jordan, James, Kathy Kessler Price, and Seán McCarther: 2018, The Anatomy of Tone: Applying Voice Science to Choral Ensemble Pedagogy, GIA,
Klann, Gene: 2004, Building Your Team’s Morale, Pride, and Spirit, Center for Creative Leadership,
Madura, Patrice D.: 2010, Becoming a Choral Music Teacher: A Field Experience Workbook, Routledge,
McLyman, Linda A.: 2005, Wise Leadership, Michigan State University Press,
Morehen, John: 2003, English Choral Practice: 1400–1650, Cambridge University Press,
Olson, Margaret: 2010, The Solo Singer in the Choral Setting: A Handbook for Achieving Vocal Health, Scarecrow,
Potter, John: 2000, The Cambridge Companion to Singing, Cambridge University Press,
Rao, Doreen: 1994, We Will Sing: Choral Music Experience for Classroom Choirs, Boosey & Hawkes,
Rink, John, Helena Gaunt, and Aaron Williamon: 2017, Musicians in the Making: Pathways to Creative Performance, Oxford University Press,
Rutter, John (ed.): 1996, European Sacred Music, Oxford University Press,
Smith, Brenda, and Robert Thayer Sataloff: 2013, Choral Pedagogy, Plural,
Strimple, Nick: 2008, Choral Music in the Nineteenth Century, Hal Leonard,
Strimple, Nick: 2002, Choral Music in the Twentieth Century, Hal Leonard,
Summer, Robert J.: 2013, Renaissance Music for the Choral Conductor: A Practical Guide, Scarecrow,
Williamon, Aaron (ed.): 2004, Musical Excellence: Strategies and Techniques to Enhance Performance, Oxford University Press,

Articles:

Ács, Ildikó Ferencsi: 2018, Breathing and Choir Conducting’, International Choral Bulletin, 37/2, http://icb.ifcm.net/en_US, 31210
2016: A Prioritized Approach to Improving Choral Intonation’, Choral Journal, 31211, 1
Planning Interesting, Vital Rehearsals’: International Choral Bulletin, http://icb.ifcm.net/en_US,

Other Resources

None