MUS20550 UCD Gamelan Ensemble 3

Academic Year 2020/2021

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.

Students who are already studying another instrument will have the opportunity to play their own instrument as part of the gamelan ensemble. There will also be an opportunity for students to compose and arrange new music for the ensemble.

Classes will include regular discussion of the core concepts of gamelan music theory and there will be a short written theory quiz at the end of the module.

The module culminates in a end-of-trimester concert or recording. Students will be evaluated based either on their singing or on their instrumental performance (whether on a gamelan instrument or their own instrument).

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

All students completing this module will:
1. Acquire the practical skills of Javanese gamelan instrumental and vocal techniques.
2. Acquire a thorough understanding of traditional Javanese musical forms, including core elements of gamelan repertoire, theory and terminology
3. Develop overall musicianship through the practice of ensemble playing and recording

Returning students who have completed previous gamelan modules will also acquire further skills in the 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

24

Practical

24

Autonomous Student Learning

52

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. Online resources including videos, audio recordings, discussion forums and a final quiz
7. Autonomous Student Learning – students can access the Gamelan Room to rehearse on the gamelan instruments outside of class time, or they can work from home to practise their vocal parts or to practise their gamelan parts on their own instrument.
 
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
Attendance: Weekly attendance, either online or in person, is a required component of this module – students will be quizzed each week on elements of gamelan music theory and terminology Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Practical Examination: Students will be given a short written quiz on gamelan music theory at the end of the module, and a final assessment on their vocal/instrumental part (concert/rehearsal/recording) Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

30

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 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

60


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is given individually to students on an ongoing basis. 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 ongoing feedback into their individual rehearsals outside of class time, and to demonstrate their progress week-on-week.

Name Role
Dr Peter Moran Lecturer / Co-Lecturer