Please note: there may be some adjustments to the teaching arrangements published in the course catalogue for 2020-21. Given current circumstances related to the Covid-19 pandemic it is anticipated that some usual arrangements for teaching on campus will be modified to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff on campus; further adjustments may also be necessary, or beneficial, during the course of the academic year as national requirements relating to management of the pandemic are revised.

Jazz Style and Practice MUSIC2026

  • Academic Session: 2022-23
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
  • Typically Offered: Runs Throughout Semesters 1 and 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Available to Erasmus Students: Yes

Short Description

This course examines the historical emergence of jazz style, as well as introducing and developing essential skills in jazz performance, analysis, and composition/arrangement. This includes providing students with an opportunity to perform in a jazz combo setting; to create jazz arrangements; and to observe, analyse and transcribe recorded jazz performances.  

Timetable

10 x 1 hour lectures

12 x 1 hour tutorials

4 x 2 hour workshops

 

Over 20 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Assessment

transcription and analysis - 30%

portfolio containing 2 of 3 elements - 70%

 

1. Critical Essay (1500 words)

2. Arrangement/composition (minimum 3 mins)

3. Group Performance Individually Assessed

Course Aims

This course aims to:  

 

■ Provide students with an opportunity to examine the histories, repertoires and styles of jazz music

■ engender an awareness of jazz ethics and performance practice

■ develop students' ability to perform and improvise in a jazz style 

■ introduce students to jazz composition and arrangement

■ allow students to work together in a group performance setting

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Discern the primary aspects of jazz history, repertoire and style; 

■ understand how jazz is typically performed, including a sense of jazz ethics; 

■ collaborate in jazz performance, including improvising modally in a jazz style according to their performance abilities; 

■ apply practical approaches to making jazz music, i.e. performance or arrangement/composition; 

■ compose an original piece of jazz music, or arrange an established piece, for jazz ensemble. 

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.