Module: Music Technology

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Music Technology
Module Code	MPA1095 (ITS: MC336)
Faculty	Theology, Philosophy & Music	School	Humanities & Social Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This module will allow students to develop skills in music technology through the practical experience of free open-source software. Students will learn to manipulate digital audio workstations and notation software. They will develop their information literacy skills by identifying problems, navigating online fora for solutions, and successfully applying these solution in their project.

Learning Outcomes

1. Source and utilise appropriate programmes for editing and manipulating recorded sound.
2. Show competence and creativity in recording and production using a digital audio workstation.
3. Demonstrate sophisticated manipulation of notation software
4. Demonstrate an understanding of principles of music typesetting that inform decisions in notation software.
5. Apply knowledge and competencies gained to a teaching context.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	24	Lecture presentations, demonstrations, recording experiments, group work, discussion
Assignment Completion	50	Recording Project and Notation Software Project
Independent Study	51	Reading, Practical Use of Software
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	21252	Part of Term	Semester 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Seán Doherty	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Project	Recording Project	50%	n/a
Project	Notation Project	50%	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

Sound Recording
Elements of a music recording system; Digital audio; Sound recording in music education; Digital audio workstations; production techniques; mixing music; learning through music production.

Notation Software
Notation as representation; learning with digital music notation; selecting music notation software; integrating new technologies

Indicative Reading List

Books:

A. Brown: 2014, Music Technology and Education : Amplifying Musicality, Taylor & Francis,
D. Hosken: 2015, An introduction to music technology, Routledge,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None