Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2020 - 2021
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Description In this module, students will gain a detailed knowledge of a range of creative approaches to the craft of choral composition. They will build a critical awareness of current issues and trends in choral composition and arranging through a variety of practical composition exercises, seminar presentations, and workshop performances. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of compositional styles through active-listening tasks, and will engage with current trends in contemporary choral music so that they can make informed judgments about their own creative expression through composition. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Apply the accepted conventions in the notation of choral music to a professional standard. 2. Employ a range of creative approaches to the craft of choral composition, informed both by a wide variety of historical models and by contemporary compositions, across various genres and ensemble types. 3. Use advanced theoretical understanding and practical competence to identify the elements of an effective choral composition in diverse compositional contexts, including music appropriate for ensembles ranging from unison children’s choir to professional adult choir. 4. Display a critical awareness of current issues and trends in choral composition and performance. 5. Explore innovative approaches to choral composition and develop individual insights into the theory and practice of vocal music, and use these insights as a foundation for future creative outputs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities NotationThe idiomatic notation of choral music: expression marks and technical instructions; syllabic slurs; phrasing and breathing points; placing tuplets; enharmonic spelling; text placement; word division; extenders; hyphens; alternative text underlay; qualifying text sounds; two-stave SATB layout; choral reduction; score layout; page layoutCreative approachesIncorporating aleatoric techniques: levels of indeterminacy, improvisation, open score, and the Contemporary Music for All movement (CoMA)Range of ContextsConsiderations for ensemble types: range limitations, tessitura; SATB (div.), SSAATTBB, Double Choir, TTBB, SSAA, SAB; Compositional priorities when composing and arranging for young voicesIssues and TrendsExperimental composition for voices: incorporating extended vocal techniques and gesture | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 35341, Score, Contemporary Music Centre, 2012, Choirland: An Anthology of Irish Choral Music, 35342, Score, Oliveros, Pauline, 1961, Sound Patterns, 35343, Score, Monk, Meredith, 1970, Change, 35344, Score, Weeks, James (ed.), CoMA, 2018, partsongs, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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