Module Details

Module Code: MUSC8098
Title: Choral Arranging
Long Title: Choral Arranging
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2017/18 ( September 2017 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2121 - Music & Performing Arts
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: Working with choirs is one of the commonest aspirations among students, but matching repertoire to a particular choir can on occasion be problematic, and arranging skills can become very important in solving such problems. Equally, the craft can appeal simply in itself, both to composers and to more general musicians. Choral singing has proven itself across time to be a very special, not to say popular, form of music-making.

Students may aspire to set particular melodies, or to write for a particular choir they know, or to write in a particular harmonic, tonal or modal language or level of complexity. These and related issues are discussed and agreed with the lecturer before the commencement of each project, and ongoing reflection on these issues would be expected as a significant part of the reflective journal. Projects will cover writing for accompanied, unaccompanied, equal and mixed voice choirs.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Arrange a piece of music for choral ensembles, both accompanied and unaccompanied
LO2 Consider a wide range of approaches to choral setting
LO3 Appreciate the particular quality of a melody and the type of setting it invites
LO4 Be sensitive to the words of a song and seek to highlight particular aspects or moments of those words
LO5 Articulate the challenges and problems presented by a particular song or manner of setting it
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.

MUSC8022 - Core Musicianship Skills 6;
elementary keyboard skills
 
Indicative Content
Projects
After studying model scores and supplied commentary, and in close discussion with the lecturer, the student will undertake three choral settings, as described under 'Coursework Breakdown'
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 4 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Setting for unaccompanied equal voices (male or female)
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Setting for unaccompanied mixed voices
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 12 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Setting for equal or mixed voices, accompanied by piano or organ or harp or as agreed with lecturer
Assessment Type Reflective Journal % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 13 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Short notes on choral arranging in general and on each of the student's three settings, outlining initial aspirations and contingencies, the difficulties met and the level of success in solving them
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecturer-Supervised Learning (Contact) Contact Individual lesson Every Week 0.50 0.5
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Private work Every Week 6.50 6.5
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 0.50
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Arthur E. Ostrander and Dana Wilson. (1986), Contemporary Choral Arranging, Pearson, p.352, [ISBN: 978-0131697560].
  • Hawley Ades. (2011), Choral Arranging, Expanded Edition 2011. Shawnee Press (TN), p.304, [ISBN: 978-1423499879].
  • Deke Sharon and Dylan Bell. (2013), Contemporary Choral Arranging, Hal Leonard Corporation, p.400, [ISBN: 978-1458416575].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
  • Scores, commentary & audio files, Alan Cutts. Scores, commentary & audio files.
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_GMUSC_8 Bachelor of Music (Honours) 8 Elective
CR_GMUSC_8 Bachelor of Music (Honours) 7 Elective