UG Prospectus 2025

154 WhyDCU? − Acquire the skills to become a high- level professional musician − Play and performextensively as part of the course − Learn how to compose and arrange for awide range of ensembles − Make international connections, includingwith the renowned Berklee College ofMusic in Boston - berklee.edu − Work closely with some of Ireland’s most highly regarded performers − Enjoy the social side of music by joining theDCU Jazz Society About You Are you passionate about music? Do you love singing, playing an instrument or both, but alsowant a grounding inmusic theory and an insight into how themusic business works? If you are aiming high as a performer and are keen to take part in the livelymusic scene at DCU, youwill enjoy taking on the challenge of this course. Additional Requirements In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University, (see page 174), youmust take an audition. An aural/theory test is not required in advance of the audition. Applicants will be expected to take an audition/performance pre-registration which is followed by a short interview, which takes place lateMarch/early April and a second round takes place in early July to accommodate CAOChange ofMind and/or late applicants. Understanding : Jazz and ContemporaryMusic Performance Singing or dancing, enjoying the soundtrack to a film, listening on headphones –music is amajor part of contemporary life. To take to the stage as a performer demands intensive training as well as talent. Our course can help you on your way to a career as a professional musician. Youwill also get to understand the context of the international music scene today – how themusic business works and how you canmake your mark in it. Coursemodules include Instrumental and Vocal Tuition, Aural Training, Ensemble Performance, Composition andArranging, Jazz History, andMusic Business. Course Structure The course offers intensive jazz and contemporarymusic education within a focused, supportive learning environment. It is designed to provide a balance of “traditional” jazz techniques alongside contemporary approaches to improvisation, so that you can experience the full breadth of the contemporary music world and develop into a creative, versatile and employablemusician. A key feature of the BA in Jazz and ContemporaryMusic Performance includes an opportunity for students during the course to transfer into Berklee College ofMusic in Boston (berklee.edu ), one of themost prestigiousmusic schools in the world in the field of contemporarymusic. Adiverse and rigorous course of study is organised throughout all 4 years of the course. The course has 5 principal areas of study: – Ensemble Studies – Instrumental Studies – Arranging andComposition Studies – Aural and Theoretical Studies – Contextual Studies Ensemble Studies Thesemodules aim to give you the skills to perform in ensembles at a high professional level in theworld of contemporarymusic. Throughworking in ensembles, youwill become familiar with the techniques and traditions of jazz and related genres, such as funk, Afro-Cuban and Brazilianmusic. Instrumental Studies Thesemodules aim to provide youwith the instrumental and technical skills necessary for performing at a professional level in the contemporarymusic world. Youwill work on practicemethods, identify goals, and acquire essential vocabulary through studyingmaster soloists and stylistic interpretation. Arranging andComposition Studies Thesemodules introduce the skills necessary for modern arranging, and teach the history, ethos and techniques of jazz and contemporary composition. You will learn vital professional skills to enable you towork in the field of modernmusic as a composer or arranger. Youwill also be introduced to the use of music technology as an aid to arranging and composing. Aural andTheoretical Studies Thesemodules will give you a thorough grounding in contemporary harmony and theory, and themeans to understand the theoretical and harmonic underpinning of contemporary jazz practice. In addition, youwill learn techniques to hear and identify all the commonmelodic, rhythmic and harmonic patterns used in jazz and other related types of music. Contextual Studies Thesemodules will help you understand the history of the development of music of many genres, and its place in contemporary society. They will also give you an insight into themethodology and philosophy of teaching. In addition, they will aim to developmusicological and critical thinking skills whichwill give you a sense of music in your own life andmake you aware howmusic is reflected in society. BA in Jazz andContemporary Music Performance Become a fully trained, high-level performing musician in jazz and other genres