MUSJAZZ 2500A - Jazz Theory 2 part 1

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2014

Aural: Development of listening skills in the range of sound elements: meter, rhythm, pitch, harmony, timbre, texture, dynamics, articulation and structure and in the detection of errors occurring between sounds heard and written notation. Expression of these elements through standard musical notation, and written language. Application of analytical and critical listening skills to a wide range of musical styles within the jazz area and beyond, including multicultural, popular, classical, and electronic music. Theory Lecture/Tutorial: development of an advanced knowledge of jazz harmony and melody. Considers the harmony of jazz standards (topics include minor key harmony, modal interchange, secondary and substitute dominants, tonicisation and modulation), theoretical aspects of the bebop style (rhythmic aspects, synchronised lines, harmonic super-imposition), symmetrical scales and diminished harmony, and the function of diminished chords in jazz harmony. Development of an understanding of the tonal organisation and rhythmic structure of contemporary jazz. Considers modal harmony (distinctive pitches within modes, modal cadences, modal composition and analysis), pentatonics (construction and usage of pentatonics, harmonising in fourths), and chord substitution (including study of diatonic and tritone substitution, use of altered and extended chords, and reharmonisation). Introduction to Modern Jazz Harmony, including the concepts of Modal Harmony, Coltrane's 3 Tonic System, Chord Substitutions and Reharminisation. The development of Free Jazz in North America and Europe.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSJAZZ 2500A
    Course Jazz Theory 2 part 1
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Contact 3 hours per week
    Prerequisites MUSJAZZ 1300A/B
    Restrictions Available to Bachelor of Music students only
    Quota 50
    Assessment Aural ongoing assessment 5%, Aural examination 5%, Theory ongoing assignments 20%, Theory examination 20%
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Bruce Hancock

    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1. Students will build on their fundamental knowledge of jazz harmony and theory concepts, including a thorough understanding of the harmony of standards, bebop & modal jazz compositions.
    2. Students will develop their skills in listening, transcription and harmonic analysis.
    3. Students will analyse and apply concepts of music theory to their development as musicians
    4. Students will develop an intermediate/advanced working knowledge of tendencies and patterns in the jazz repertoire through investigative study.
    5. Students will further develop their aural skills within jazz repertoire.
    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. 2, 4
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2, 3, 4
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 2, 4, 5
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 3
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Essential jazz theory topics are presented/explained in weekly jazz theory lectures of 1 hour duration. Application and further discussion of these topics occurs in the weekly tutorial sessions, where assignments and exercises are also presented. The aural workshop links these theory topics to the aural identification and notation aspects, developing listening skills within jazz repertoire including chords, scales and solos.
    Workload

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

    A minimum of 9 hours per week (not including contact time) may be expected.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Essential jazz theory topics are presented/explained within weekly jazz theory lectures of 1 hour duration. Application and further discussion of these topics occurs in weekly tutorial sessions, where assignments and exercises are also presented. In addition, development of listening skills within jazz styles is provided within a 1 hour workshop each week..
  • 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)
    Semester 1 AURAL (ongoing assignments)
    AURAL (examination at end of semester
    10%
    10%
    THEORY (ongoing assignments)
    THEORY (examination at end of semester)
    40%
    40%

    Rationale for assessment: Ongoing assignments within theory apply the fundamentals delivered within the lecture, requiring students to research topics and exercise the techniques discussed. They are marked and returned to students providing critical feedback (Learning Objectives 1,3 & 4). The theory examination comprises a formal written paper and assesses knowledge and application of theory topics taught and discussed (Learning Objectives 1,3 & 4). Ongoing assignments within aural comprise transcription and notation tasks, requiring students to research and apply topics/areas discussed in the workshops. They are marked and returned providing critical feedback (Learning Objectives 2 & 5). . The aural examination provides listening and notation tests, assessing knowledge and application of aural topics taught within the workshops (Learning Objectives 2&5)
    Assessment Detail

    No information currently available.

    Submission
    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:

    NOG (No Grade Associated)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing

    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.

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    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.

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