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Module Specifications

Academic Year 2026 - 2027

Module Title Performance, Musicianship, Pedagogy
Module Code MPA1099 (ITS: MPA1097)
Faculty Humanities & Social Sciences School Theology, Philosophy & Music
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

This module includes individual instrumental/vocal performance, choral performance, musicianship development through aural and keyboard studies, and pedagogical leadership skills for choral and music-teaching contexts.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand and utilise practical and theoretical concepts in the areas of keyboard playing and musicianship.
2. Draw on musical skills and stylistic knowledge suitable to final year, in the areas of instrumental/vocal performance, and to evaluate musical performance activities critically based on these attributes.
3. Demonstrate advanced choral performance skills and bring these to bear on future professional activities both as a participant and a leader.
4. Use interpersonal, organisational, and leadership skills appropriate to group music rehearsal and performance.
5. Teach musical concepts and skills in an experience-based manner in the context of choral and classroom pedagogy.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture8Lectures in Music Leadership Pedagogy
Group Based Workshops8Aural and Keyboard Skills
Workshop22Choir rehearsals: DCU Lumen Chorale
Directed learning5Individual instrumental/vocal lessons
Independent Study82Independent learning, study, and practice in instrument/voice, aural and keyboard skills, choral performance, and music leadership/pedagogy,
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN12164Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework100%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsN
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorRóisín BlunnieModule TeacherClare Wilson, Laura Sheils, Roisin Nic Athlaoich
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Performance evaluationMusic Practical: individual40%Sem 1 End
Practical/skills evaluationAural & Keyboard Skills practical40%n/a
Practical/skills evaluationChoir: Participation and Quality of Contribution10%Every Week
PresentationAudio presentation in music/choral pedagogy10%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

Individual/vocal performance
Technique, style, repertoire, practice - Students take individual lessons in their chosen instrument(s), guided by specialist tutors. Lessons focus on technique, musical style and expression, performance strategies, and music literacy appropriate to the instrument and to the final year of the programme.

Aural and Keyboard Skills
Small-group learning; polyphonic skills, intonation, vocal skills, keyboard skills, melodic and harmonic awareness, music theory, repertoire, practice.

Choir
Participation in and contribution to the DCU Lumen Chorale, a large choir of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices made up of all the students of the Bachelor of Religious Education and Music programme. Repertoire is drawn from styles such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, music of the 19th and 20th centuries, contemporary music, arrangements of popular music and film music, rounds/canons and improvisation. Activities include choral-vocal training, choral warm-ups, ensemble singing appropriate to diverse musical styles, group sight-singing and musicianship, rehearsal technique, choral pedagogy and leadership, guidance and repertoire for leading school choirs and lifelong learning, and performance in concerts, university events, and competitions.

Leadership and pedagogy
Pedagogical leadership skills in ensemble and educational contexts: leading choral warm-ups, Kodály approach to concept-teaching in music.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • Abrahams, Frank, and Paul D. Head: 2017, The Oxford Handbook of Choral Pedagogy,
  • Blunnie, Róisín, and Ciarán Crilly: 2024, Perspectives on Conducting, Routledge,
  • Bolkovac, Edward, and Judith Johnson: 2004, 150 Rounds for Singing and Teaching, Boosey & Hawkes,
  • Dahl, Tone Bianca: 2008, The Choir: Singing, Leading, Communicating, Cantando,
  • De Quadros, Andre: 2012, The Cambridge Companion to Choral Music,
  • Durrant, Colin: 2017, Choral Conducting: Philosophy and Practice, Routledge,
  • Emmons, Shirlee, and Constance Chase: 2006, Prescriptions for Choral Excellence: Tone, Text, Dynamic Leadership, OUP,
  • Jansson, Dag: 2018, Leading Musically, Routledge,
  • Molnár, Antal: 2003, Classical Canons - 230 Solfeggio, Editio Musica Budapest,
  • Welch, Graham F., and David M. Howard: 2019, The Oxford Handbook of Singing,
  • Schrock, Dennis: 2023, Choral Repertoire, 2nd, OUP,
  • Rink, John: 2002, Musical Performance: A Guide to Understanding, CUP,


Articles:
None
Other Resources

  • 1: Website, Blunnie, Róisín, 2023, Developing Polyphonic Skills using Canon Exercises, PRESTO Erasmus+ Project
  • 420561: 1, Website, TEORIA Music Theory Web,
  • https://www.teoria.com/: 420562, 1, Website, Choral Public Domain Library
  • www.cpdl.org:

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