This module contains two units. Unit A: Composition with Irish Traditional Techniques is a notated composition unit aimed at students who are studying Irish traditional music, or who already have a deep knowledge of the idiom. It will be taught via 12 tutorials over one semester. The focus is on the notational freedom developed in contemporary practice as a way of bridging the gap, allowing crossover between notated and traditional practice. Challenges in coordinating rhythmically and stylistically will be discussed. One work combining traditional instrument/s and strictly notated material will be completed.
Unit B: Archive Research surveys the significant collections of Irish Traditional Music from the early twentieth century to the present day, to be found in the Irish Traditional Music Archive (ITMA) and the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) Archive.
Unit A: Composition with Irish Traditional Techniques
Composition with Irish traditional techniques
Unit B: Archive Research
• Detailed study of the collections in the chosen archives and their contents, with particular focus on ITMA and CCÉ • Examination and evaluation of the roles played by the archives and other associated organisations, including ITMA, CCÉ, NPU, RTÉ, the National Folklore Archive and BBC• The life and work of individual collectors• Examination of regional styles and the influence of modern-day performers• Introduction to music indexing systems especially that developed by Breandán Breathnach • Study of the various social and cultural influences that have shaped Irish traditional music, including emigration, the role of travelling musicians, and the role played by Church and State
Unit A: Composition with Irish Traditional Techniques:
Over 12 tutorials, the student will be shown a wide variety of strategies employed by musicians composing in this vein; scores and recordings will be studied. As this is an original composition module, the student will be mentored through the process of developing an individual compositional voice. Students will be introduced to potential musical influences that they were unfamiliar with, and showing the full field-of-action that their ideas imply. Advanced technical instruction will be given appropriate to the style being developed by the student.
Unit B: Archive Research:
This module is taught through weekly lectures, including some by visiting specialists associated with the various archives and organisations, and supported by online sources.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |