GENMUS 3030 - Free Improvisation
North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015
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General Course Information
Course Details
Course Code GENMUS 3030 Course Free Improvisation Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music Term Semester 2 Level Undergraduate Location/s North Terrace Campus Units 3 Contact Up to 4 hours per week Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y Assumed Knowledge Ability to play a musical instrument (voice included) to an advanced level, or use a computer for musical purposes. Restrictions Priority is given to Bachelor of Music students but course is available to non-music students (by audition) Quota 30 Assessment Tutorial Participation 10%, Research Essay 30%, Critical Listening Assignments 20%, Performance Assessments 40% Course Staff
Course Coordinator: Mr Stephen Whittington
Course Timetable
The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.
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Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for this course are:
(1) the development of creative thinking in a performance situation
(2) the ability to work with others in creative musical situations
(3) understanding of the role of improvisation in a wide variety of musical contexts
(4) understanding of the conceptual and intuitive contexts for improvisatory practice and performanceUniversity 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. 3,4 The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 3 An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1,2 Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 2 A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 3 A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1,2,3,4 A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1 An awareness of ethical, social and cultural issues within a global context and their importance in the exercise of professional skills and responsibilities. 3,4 -
Learning Resources
Online Learning
An extensive collection of readings and materials can be found on MyUni. -
Learning & Teaching Activities
Learning & Teaching Modes
(1) Workshops in which approaches to improvisation are explored
(2) Seminars in which different approaches to improvisation are studied in their historical and cultural contextWorkload
The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.
In addition to the 3 contact hours per week, students are expected to spend up to 9 hours per week on assigned readings, listening to recommended works, and undertaking practical improvisational activities.Learning Activities Summary
Topics include:
- improvisatory practices from an historical point view within the Western musical tradition (Baroque and Classical performance practice),
- popular music (jazz, blues, rock),
- non-Western music (classical Indian music, West African drumming.)
- the emergence of free improvisation in Western music in the 1960s (free jazz, free improvisation groups such as The Scratch Orchestra, AMM, MEV)
- composers and musicians who have contributed to this development (Karlheinz Stockhausen, Cornelius Cardew, John Zorn, Derek Bailey).
- the underlying philosophies and methodologies of various approaches to free improvisation
- the use of digital technology in improvisatory situations.
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Assessment
The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:
- Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
- Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
- Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
- Assessment must maintain academic standards.
Assessment Summary
1. Journal of weekly exercises and rehearsal techniques 20% Learning objective: 2 2. Research paper 30% Learning objective: 3 3. Performances 40% Learning Objectives: 1,4 4. Attendance and participation 10% Learning objectives: 1,2,3,4
Assessment Related Requirements
As above.Assessment Detail
1. Journal of weekly exercises and rehearsal techniques 20% Learning objective: 2 2. Research paper 30% Learning objective: 3 3. Performances 40% Learning Objectives: 1,4 4. Attendance and participation 10% Learning objectives: 1,2,3,4 Submission
To be advised.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.
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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.
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Student Support
- Academic Integrity for Students
- Academic Support with Maths
- Academic Support with writing and study skills
- Careers Services
- International Student Support
- Library Services for Students
- LinkedIn Learning
- Student Life Counselling Support - Personal counselling for issues affecting study
- Students with a Disability - Alternative academic arrangements
- YouX Student Care - Advocacy, confidential counselling, welfare support and advice
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Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
- Academic Credit Arrangements Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy
- Assessment for Coursework Programs Policy
- Copyright Compliance Policy
- Coursework Academic Programs Policy
- Elder Conservatorium of Music Noise Management Plan
- Intellectual Property Policy
- IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy
- Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy
- Reasonable Adjustments to Learning, Teaching & Assessment for Students with a Disability Policy
- Student Experience of Learning and Teaching Policy
- Student Grievance Resolution Process
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Fraud Awareness
Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
