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Module Specifications

Archived Version 2021 - 2022

Module Title
Module Code
School

Online Module Resources

NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Description

A module designed to help all participants to develop a thorough grasp of advanced harmonic approaches and techniques. Learners will study masterworks from both modern classical and jazz repertoire including the works of John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Cecil Taylor, Igor Stravinsky, Belá Bartok, and Anton Webern and compose short pieces based on their concepts

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a high level harmonic technique capable of meeting all harmonic challenges faced in a contemporary musical environment
2. Learn how to utilise these skills for creative composition, arranging and performance.
3. Learn to effectively analyse their own work and the work of others
4. Learn how to creatively use the information gleaned from these analyses



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture24Weekly, a one-hour group lecture-workshop
Independent Study101Create compositions, study and analyse harmonic techniques used in contemporary music, both composed and improvised
Total Workload: 125

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

Harmonic and Compositional Techniques
° Chromatic harmony approaches ° Reharmonisation of standard material ° Double and triple-slash polychords ° Use of effective pedal point ° Creation of synthetic scales

Survey of Modern Jazz and Classical Composers
° John Coltrane ° Eric Dolphy ° Cecil Taylor ° Igor Stravinsky ° Belá Bartok ° Anton Webern

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable
Indicative Reading List

  • Liebman, Dave: 2015, A Chromatic Approach to Jazz Harmony and Melody, Advance Music,
  • Ulehla, Ludmila: 2015, Contemporary Harmony – Romanticism through the Twelve-Tone Row,, Advance Music,
  • Dobbins, Bill: 2016, A Creative Approach to Jazz Piano Harmony, Advance Music,
  • Bartok, Bela: 0, Six String Quartets, Boosey and Hawkes,
  • Liebman/Beirach/Dobbins: 1986, The Duo Live – transcription for soprano and piano,
Other Resources

None
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