MUSJAZZ 2101 - Jazz Musicianship 2A

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

Jazz theory, improvisation and arranging will all be delivered in this course through study of relevant texts, audio and video files, musical scores and transcribed solos. Theory and improvisation will be closely linked through practical application of technical exercises including scales and chords to the blues and standard jazz tunes and song form. Jazz arranging explores techniques of rhythmic, melodic, harmonic and textural elements for small and medium-size jazz ensembles. Practical application is made of the study of the rhythm section, mixed five-horn section, sketch score and score layout. Score reading, study of styles of contemporary arrangers and composers and the use of notation software are also included.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSJAZZ 2101
    Course Jazz Musicianship 2A
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites MUSSUPST 1001, MUSSUPST 1002
    Incompatible MUSJAZZ 2400A, MUSJAZZ 2500A
    Assessment Transcribed solo analysis 10%, Blues project 10%, Two-part counterpoint 10%, Major unison project 20%, Composition assignment 10%, Exam 40%
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Mr Dusty Cox

    Course Coordinator Dustan Cox Senior Lecturer  8313 3622 Schulz 217

    Mark Ferguson tutorials
    Course Timetable

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

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES 1. Develop practical skills on instrument/voice to execute jazz language in various tunes list tunes as an extension from skills acquired in Impro I. 2. Develop awareness and general knowledge of solo construction. 3. Develop a practical application of tendencies and patterns in the jazz repertoire through investigative study of advanced melodic and harmonic concepts.. 4. Develop skills in creative jazz soloing and group interplay. 5. Develop skills in specific styles including bebop, swing, ballads, contemporary and modal tunes. 6. Develop critical problem solving through study of transcribed solos and critical listening through audio and video files. 7. Develop awareness and practical skills in African-American rhythms and awareness of rhythm section accompaniment 8. Develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts and the processes involved in creating arrangements for small to medium-sized ensembles. 9. Develop a thorough understanding of orchestration for small to medium-sized ensembles 10. Create original jazz compositions and arrangements for small to medium-sized ensembles
    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)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 2, 3, 4, 7
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2, 3, 4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    7, 8, 9
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    8, 9, 10
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    7
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    1, 2, 3, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    The ‘required text’ for theoretical and improvisational aspects of this course is in part provided primarily by the Lecturer, delivered in class and through distribution of practical exercises in Sibelius files via email and MyUni. For the arranging component, ‘Jazz Arranging Techniques’ by Gary Lindsay (www.lindsayjazz.com)
    Recommended Resources
    RECOMMENDED RESOURCES Campbell, Gary Expansions & Triad Pairs Baker, David How to Play Bebop I, II, III Bergonzi, Jerry Inside Improvisation Series (all volumes) Werner, Kenny Effortless Mastery ‘Modern Jazz Voicings’ by Ted Pease and Ken Pullig (Berklee Press) ‘Jazz Arranging & Composing - A Linear Approach’ by Bill Dobbins (Advance Music) Recordings of small to medium-sized ensembles led by arrangers such as: Gerry Mulligan, Marty Paitch, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, Bill Holman, Bob Brookmeyer, Oliver Nelson and others. General Reference Hearle, Dan Jazz Language Levine, Mark The Jazz Theory Book 1. CD recordings of 2nd Year Tunes List (provided by the Lecturer) 2. Real Books and Standard Tune fake books 3. CD and DVD recordings of various artists in bebop style Regular listening to performances of works being studied is required. Students can also listen to works through the library's Naxos subscription (see library catalogue, search using Naxos as the title and limit search to ‘electronic resources’. You will be prompted to enter your uni ID number and password to access the Naxos catalogue). There is a wealth of material available for listening (but not downloading). The link to the Naxos catalogue is as follows: http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url=http://uoa.naxosmusiclibrary.com/
    Online Learning
    ONLINE LEARNING This Course Profile will be placed on MyUni together with assignments and other relevant Course information.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Lectures and workshops for theory, improvisation and arranging are teaching and learning modes as well as online access to some shared materials.
    Workload

    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 and arranging 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.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Lecture Content for theory and improvisation: Lectures will be given to outline the following material: Soloing in various styles including swing, bebop, Latin, ballad, contemporary and modal styles at various tempi; harmonic and melodic awareness; knowledge of II V I’s; thematic development; solo line writing; developing listening skills; group interplay; inner hearing; internalizing standard jazz language; cadences; resolutions; tension & release; group awareness; solo structure; solo intensification; recovering from mistakes; constructing synchronized lines; cadenzas; playing ‘outside’ the changes; delivering a ballad melody and solo; modal soloing. Analysis of song forms and transcribed solos, Lecture Content for arranging: Analysis of an arrangement by means of a timeline, study of recordings and scores of contemporary arrangers and composers Chord charts, Calligraphy, Writing swing rhythms Score and Parts Layout Rhythm section arrangements Unisons and Octaves: blending Brass with Woodwinds Jazz Articulations Blending Brass and Reeds Melodic Embellishment Arrange a tune for five horns (blending in unisonsnd octaves) plus rhythm section Two and Three-part horn voicingPlease note: A working knowledge of Sibelius or Finale notation software is required
    Specific Course Requirements
    A working knowledge of Sibelius is required.
  • 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
    The exam will include (among other others) melodic and harmonic analysis, and will also include an aural component as well as a practical component demonstrating techniques discussed in class, this is 40% of the course mark.  There are five assignments totalling 60% of the course mark including a solo transcription with written assignments for arranging including the blues, counterpoint, unison and a composition assignment. All are at 10% with the exception of the unison writing assignment, which is 20%.

    Due to the current COVID-19 situation, modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.
    1. All written assignments will be submitted online.
    2. All exams and tests will be conducted online and content adjusted to allow for "open book" style exam where appropriate.
    3. Practical Assessments will be conducted over Zoom and/or submitted as audio/video recordings.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    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/study/current/leave.pdf.
    Assessment Detail
    ASSESSMENT (Summative)                                               Task Type       Weighting                 Learning Outcomes Addressed

    Play the Blues                                                                  Formative       10%                        1, 2, 3, 6

    Confirmation Choruses                                                      Formative       10%                        4, 5, 6

    Three Horn Composition                                                    Formative       15%                        6

    Aural Skills and Listening                                                   Formative       10%                        3, 6

    Piano Skills Test                                                                Formative       5%                          5

    Exam Week Piano Skills Test                                              Formative       5%                          5

    Online Arranging Quiz                                                       Formative        5%                          5, 6

    Written Exam                                                                   Summative     20%                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

    Practical Exam                                                                 Summative      20%                         1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
    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:

    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.

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