Module Information Form (MIF)

Module Name Rhythm Studies

Module Code
SRIT to establish coding DIMEO-P140
protocol
Level (FHEQ) and Stage
Level 4, Stage 1
eg Level 4, Stage 1
Credit Value 20 credits

Pre and Co-requisites

Indicate module name, codes None
will be inserted later
Compulsory or Option Compulsory

Named Module Leader

Location of Delivery Online

Trimester 1
Mode(s) of Delivery Indicatively, this module will consist of:
eg 1 x 2hr seminar, weekly • 26 hours of lectures (13 x 2.0 hours)
for 13 weeks • Small groups/individual tutorials (7.5 hours)
• Peer chat groups/master-classes (7.5 hours)
 The Rhythm Studies module provides you with the opportunity
to study Rhythm as a concept fundamental to Performing Arts.
A cross-cultural and critical approach will be adopted as you
identify and develop core rhythmic ideas across a range of,
primarily, western musical genres. The subject matter
addressed throughout this module will support the development
of your individual instrumental practice and will inform directly
your technical development and improvisation studies.

In addition to learning the specific content throughout the

module, you will be encouraged to develop an approach to
individual learning and practice for the purpose of enhancing
your technical abilities and progression as a creative musician.

Throughout the module, you will be expected to initiate and

maintain a self-directed and strategic approach to your studies.
Specifically, you will be required to develop a balanced and
holistic appreciation for both your practical and theoretical
development as a musician.

You will be responsible for motivating yourself to research and

develop subject matter beyond the lessons in a pursuit to
acquire depth of understanding within the subject area. In
doing so, you will enhance your ability to view topics in a critical
Summary Module manner, to identify conceptual threads and to seek out
Description commonalities across subject domains. At all times, you will be
(100 – 150 words) encouraged to derive conclusions from your research that bear
direct relevance to your own professional practice.

A systematic approach to time and project management will be

essential to your studies and you will also be encouraged to
utilise relevant technology, software, apps and platforms to
assist in the organisation of your learning and development.
Lecture content will be supported by tutorials with your subject
tutor and engagement or collaboration with your peer
community. Your studies will be further enhanced by access to
masterclass performances and materials.

The aim of this module is to enable you to:

• Develop core rhythmic vocabulary and skills on
your instrument
Aims • Apply rhythmic vocabulary and skills creatively in
Maximum of 3 the context of genre-specific repertoire
• Understand concepts relating to the study of
Rhythm and how these can be used to inform
individual practice
Core Learning Outcomes

Assessment Criteria
On completion of this Module you
LO should be able to: To achieve the learning outcome you must
demonstrate the ability to:

Demonstrate an understanding of core Present and perform a range of specialised

rhythmic concepts and devices specific isolated rhythmic exercises
1 to the discipline in the context of
performance
(Creative Music Performance 1)

Display elements of creativity and Select and utilise relevant and appropriate
expression when utilising rhythmic rhythmic vocabulary during the performance of
3 language in the context of performance genre-specific repertoire
(Creative Music Performance 3)

Demonstrate an awareness of Rhythm in Identify and describe how rhythmic concepts can
a broader musical context and the be appropriated and contextualised in a wider
application of rhythmic language relevant musical context
4 to the discipline
(Creative Music Performance 4)

Knowledge and Understanding

• You will gain an understanding of rhythmic vocabulary
and skills through the module content.
• You will gain an appreciation and awareness of Rhythm
as a broader concept, beyond the instrument.
Intellectual Skills
• You will have an opportunity to analyse and dissect
subject matter for the purposes of contextual
understanding and practical performance.
Practical Skills
• You will develop the ability to demonstrate and perform
instrument-specific rhythmic vocabulary, both in isolation
Skills Development and during performance.
Transferable Skills
• You will have the opportunity to develop a personalised
and creative approach to your area of specialism and will
employ effective time management skills in the planning,
practice and preparation for the assessment.
 Summative assessment (Submission of filmed
performance)

The achievement of learning outcomes is assessed through

the submission of 2 assessment elements: a filmed
performance and filmed presentation.

Element 1: Filmed Performance

You will be asked to submit a 6-8 minute filmed performance

demonstrating:

• A range of isolated rhythmic exercises that

highlight the core concepts underpinning the
module.

• Application of rhythmic concepts and vocabulary

in the context of a pre-agreed genre-specific
performance.

The following aspects of performance will be taken into

consideration:

• Timing
Assessment Strategy • Tuning
• Accuracy of execution
• Sound and tonal production
• Fluency of phrasing
• Consistency of delivery
• Appropriateness of decision-making in the context of
performance
• Creative intention and use of concepts and
vocabulary

Element 2: Filmed Presentation

You will be required to submit a filmed presentation in which

you identify, describe and demonstrate the rhythmic
concepts and vocabulary chosen and employed for the
purposes of the pre-agreed genre-specific performance (as
per element 1 – see above).

Summative assessment will occur at the end of Trimester 1,

with formative assessment taking place at the mid-way point
of the module (week 8). Feedback from weekly tasks will
enable you to adjust and improve aspects of your playing on
a frequent and regular basis.
 Compulsory or Learning Outcomes
Description of compensatable Assessed
Assessment
No Assessment %
Method
Method 1 3 4

1 PF Performance 60 Compensatable X X

2 PR Presentation 40 Compensatable X

*The following codes for assessment methods apply:-

AR artefact OR oral

CB computer-based PC practical

CE critical evaluation PF performance

CS case study PL placement

DI dissertation or project PO portfolio

ES essay PR presentation

EX exam RE individual report

GR group report SP studio practice

IT in-module test LR literature review

JL journal/logbook OT other

Indicative list of Resources

Books (electronic resource)

. Abel, Mark. (2014) Groove: An Aesthetic of Measured Time. Leiden,

Netherlands: Brill
. Danielsen, Anne. (2010) Musical Rhythm in the Age of digital Reproduction.
Ashgate
. Fernandez, Raul A. (2005) From Afro-Cuban Rhythms to Latin Jazz. University
of California Press
. Mamadou, Diouf (2010) Rhythms of the Afro-Atlantic World: Rituals and
Renmembrances. University of Michigan Press
. Peterson, Peter. (2013) Music and Rhythm: Fundamentals, History, Analysis.
Frankfurt am Main
. Tagg, Philip. (2012) Music’s Meanings: A Modern Musicology for Non-Musos. MMM

Journals (electronic resource)

. Guitar Player: New Bay Media LLC. [available via International Index of Music
Periodicals (Jan 1993 Vol. 27, no.1 – present, with some exceptions)]
. Guitarist: Future Publishing Ltd. (small selection of articles available via Rock’s
Backpages)
. Guitar World: New Bay Media LLC. [small selection of articles available via
Rock’s Backpages]
. Modern Drummer: Modern Drummer Publishing. [available via One Stop Search]
. Total Guitar: Future Publishing Ltd. [small selection of articles available via
Rock’s Backpages]

. Further reading (unavailable in electronic form)

• Bellson, L. (2000) Modern Reading Text in 4/4. Belwin Mills Publishing

Corp.

• Bergonzi, Jerry (1998) Inside Improvisation Series for all Instruments: Vol
4. Melodic Rhythms. 

Advance Music.

• Buckingham, Bruce.(1998) Rhythm Guitar: The Complete Guide. Hal

Leonard.

• Fox, Dan (2002) The Rhythm Bible. Alfred Music

• Magadini, P, (1993) Polyrhythms – The Musician’s Guide. 2nd Edn. Hal

Leonard Corpoation. 


Section 4 – Administrative Information

Subject Music

Course BA(Hons) Creative Music Performance

Department AMATA
Version

Date of production of MIF (dd/

mm/yyyy)

Named Awards – Indicate below all Awards where this is a compulsory or option Module
(*delete as appropriate)
BA(Hons) Creative Music Performance Compulsory