MUS20560 UCD Gamelan Ensemble 4

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module provides an opportunity for students to become familiar with the art music tradition of Central Java by performing in the gamelan ensemble. The core focus of the module is on traditional Javanese forms and techniques, which students will become familiar with through practical experience with the various instruments and vocal parts that make up the gamelan.

Classes will include regular discussion of the core concepts of gamelan music theory. There will also be an opportunity for students to compose and arrange new music for the ensemble.

The module culminates in a end-of-trimester concert. Students will be evaluated based on an ongoing assessment of their progress throughout the term, and on their performance in the final concert.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Students completing this module will:
1. Gain facility on all of the instruments of the Javanese gamelan.
2. Acquire a thorough understanding of traditional Javanese musical forms.
3. Acquire a thorough understanding of improvisatory techniques typical of the tradition.
4. Develop overall musicianship through the practice of ensemble playing.

Returning students who have completed previous gamelan modules will also acquire further skills learning the more advanced instrumental techniques typical of the tradition.

Indicative Module Content:

Javanese instrumental techniques
Javanese music theory and terminology
Ensemble singing, performing and recording

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

20
Practical

40
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is delivered through weekly ensemble rehearsals. In each rehearsal, some time is also dedicated to music theory and to teaching individual students new skills. Classes will be streamed live from Room J305 every Wednesday evening. Up to 15 students will be invited to attend classes in person each week to work on their pieces, while others will interact with the class through the live stream. These groups will be rotated each week.

This module is delivered through:
1. Weekly ensemble rehearsals
2. Individual instruction on the different instrumental parts
3. Class discussion of the theoretical concepts introduced each week (with accompanying handouts)
4. Weekly evaluations of students' progress in their instrumental parts
5. Recommended listening based on the repertoire being studied in class
6. Autonomous Student Learning – students can access the Gamelan Room to rehearse on the gamelan instruments outside of class time. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: Students will be assessed each week to ensure that they are making clear progress with the vocal/instrumental parts they have been assigned Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

50
Practical Examination: In their final class rehearsal, students will be assessed on how well they mastered their part. Week 11 n/a Graded No

30
Practical Examination: Final Concert Performance Week 12 n/a Graded No

20

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The teacher will monitor the students' progress throughout the term. Regular feedback and guidance will be given to each student in the ensemble, especially in the final weeks before the evaluation. Students are expected to integrate this feedback into their playing by rehearsing at their instrument outside of class time.

Name Role
Dr Peter Moran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 17:00 - 18:50