MUSJAZZ 1400B - Jazz Improvisation 1 Part 2

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2014

Provides a foundation of common practice Jazz improvisational skills in the areas of rhythmic feel/flow, simple formulaic harmonic structures, line construction and motivic application. Students develop and apply jazz improvisational techniques and apply basic improvisational techniques of rhythm, scales & patterns in jazz repertoire. The study of various styles beginning with dixieland, swing and blues through to early Bebop styles is considered. One hour of contact time each week will be devoted to the practical application of Afro-American rhythms.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSJAZZ 1400B
    Course Jazz Improvisation 1 Part 2
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites MUSJAZZ 1400A
    Incompatible JAZZ 1003A/B, 7321, 4391 (pre-2002)
    Restrictions Available to BMus students only
    Course Description Provides a foundation of common practice Jazz improvisational skills in the areas of rhythmic feel/flow, simple formulaic harmonic structures, line construction and motivic application.
    Students develop and apply jazz improvisational techniques and apply basic improvisational techniques of rhythm, scales & patterns in jazz repertoire. The study of various styles beginning with dixieland, swing and blues through to early Bebop styles is considered. One hour of contact time each week will be devoted to the practical application of Afro-American rhythms.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Dusty Cox

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
        
    1. Develop knowledge and applied skills of jazz harmonic and melodic concepts.

    2. Develop applied skills of scales, chords and patterns in the jazz repertoire through investigative study.

    3. Develop instrumental and vocal skills in applying jazz language creatively.

    4. Develop skills in specific styles including blues, pre-bebop/trad, swing, ballads, standards, Latin and
    jazz/rock.

    5. Develop critical listening skills through audio and video files.

    6. Develop awareness and application of African-American rhythms.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 2, 3
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 1, 2, 6
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 3, 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 5
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2, 3, 4
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lecture and tutorial for Improvisation and workshop for the Rhythm component.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

     

    In addition to the required contact hours, students are expected to study the materials presented and apply them to assignments, tunes list tunes and their playing in general.

     

    It is anticipated that students will need to spend 3-4 hours per week in reviewing lecture notes, preparing for tutorials, listening to repertoire, preparing assignments and undertaking suggested readings.

     

    Contact hours: Jazz Improvisation I: 1 hour Lecture + 1 hour Tutorial + 1 hour Rhythm Workshop.

    Learning Activities Summary

    Jazz Improvisation 1:

     Lecture Content:

    Lectures will be given to outline the following material:

    Beginning and continuing concepts in jazz improvisation; including arpeggiating chords; constructing and executing II V I’s; synchronized, continuous 8th note lines; hitting strong chord tones on ‘1’; surrounding note figures; ‘first choice’ scales; developing listening skills;

    solo intensification; internalizing and executing cliché jazz language beginning in ‘pre-bop’ style and awareness of African-American rhythms.

    Specific Course Requirements
    Refer to the Rhythm Class component outline.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    ASSESSMENT (Summative) Learning Objective/s Addressed
    Semester 1  

    Written Exam:

     

    There are written exams in both semesters

    and will include (among others) melodic

    and harmonic analysis, and will also include

    an aural component.

    30%

    1, 2, 5

    Practical Exam:

    There are practical exams in both semesters

    and will include techniques used over tunes

    list tunes covered in class as well as extended

    solo choruses.

    30%

    2
    Ongoing Assessment:

    Five equally weighted assignments will be

    included in each semester, four are practical

    and a written journal is to be handed in.

    20%

    1, 2, 3, 4
    Rhythm Class:

    A Rhythm Class component is included

    in 1st year Jazz Improvisation demonstrating and applying various techniques.
    20% 6
    Assessment Related Requirements

    In this course, penalties apply for any absences which are not formally approved, as outlined in the Conservatorium’s Student Participation and Attendance Leave Guidelines (see following). Leave Application forms are available from the Music Office and can be downloaded from the Music website – see http://music.adelaide.edu.au/current/handbook/Student_Leave_Form_11-11.pdf

    Student Participation and Attendance Leave Guidelines

    EXPECTATION

    All students enrolled in courses taught by the Elder Conservatorium of Music are expected to actively and positively participate in 100% of required rehearsals, workshops, classes, lectures, tutorials and performances. In courses where Participation & Attendance penalties apply (as defined in the Course Outline), any student who misses more than 40% of required classes will be ineligible for assessment in that course, irrespective of the amount of leave that has been formally approved.

    LEAVE

    The Conservatorium recognises that extenuating circumstances may occasionally affect a student’s ability to participate in a rehearsal, workshop, class, lecture, tutorial or performance. In such cases Leave may, upon application using this Leave form, be approved by the relevant staff member (this could be the Head of Studies, teacher, conductor, lecturer or course coordinator as appropriate).

    Assessment Detail
    Five equally weighted assignments which may include playing over tunes list tunes and/or specific exercises related to the tunes. A practical exam at the end of the semester may include the same and related tasks and tunes. A written exam at the end of the semester may include melodic and harmonic analysis of musical examples.
    Submission

    Extensions are only granted when supporting documentation can be provided and then, and only then, by arrangement with the course lecturer prior to the due date and time. Extensions will not be granted under any other circumstance. Assessed work that is submitted late (after the due date and time) will not be examined for assessment or feedback.

    In the case of illness this will require a medical certificate, and in the case of personal (non-medical) circumstances you will need a letter of support from a University Student Counsellor. For further information please refer to the following website:
    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/counselling_centre/
    Students must be available during the identified University examination periods. Students are not entitled to sit an examination at another time, nor are they entitled to any other concessions if an examination conflicts with a planned vacation or special event.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
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