Course syllabus

Ensemble, Focusing Polyrhythmic and Polymetric, 7.5 credits

Course code: MG126G Credits: 7.5
Main field of study: Musical Interpretation Progression: GXX
    Last revised: 08/09/2020
Education cycle: First cycle Approved by: Head of school
Established: 21/11/2019 Reading list approved: 08/09/2020
Valid from: Spring semester 2021 Revision: 1

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

  • the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
  • the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
  • the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

  • gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
  • stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
  • communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student is expected to have

  • a basic understanding of the concepts of polyrhythm, polymetrics, reference rhythms and irregular time signatures.

Skills and abilities
After completing the course, the student is expected to

  • be able to make music and improvise focusing on polyrhythm, polymetrics and irregular time signatures and
  • be able to perform music with a good perception of pulse and rhythm.

Appreciation and approach
After finishing the course, the student is expected to be able to

  • describe and reflect on possibilities and difficulties in different types of rhythmical patterns and
  • reflect on and analyze his/her learning process.

Main content of the course

The course addresses the following essential concepts:

  • polyrhythms
  • reference rhythms
  • polymeters
  • odd meters

Based on these concepts, the teaching is practically orientated, with elements such as:

  • ensemble playing
  • rhythm exercises
  • ear training
  • music making based on rhythmical motifs

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of group education.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Musical assignments given troughout the course, a notated assignment and a written assignment.


For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Specific entry requirements

Music for Teachers II, Upper Secondary School, 15 Credits, Musical Interpretation, Chamber Music II, Basic Course, 15 Credits or Musical Interpretation, Jazz and Rock II, 15 Credits.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is given in English.

The student is required to have his/her own instrument (except for keyboard or percussion instruments).

Reading list and other teaching materials

Additional Reading

Holmqvist, Mulle (2010)
The reference rhythm method
Stockholm : Mulle Holmqvist, ISBN/ISSN: 978-91-979203-0-8, 70 sidor

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Teacher-produced material is also used throughout the course.