Course Catalogue

The Jazz Composer (Pre-Hons) MUSIC2029

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 2 (SCQF level 8)
  • Typically Offered: Full Year
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course examines critical aspects of jazz and its place in global society, as well as introducing and developing essential skills in jazz composition and analysis. This includes providing students with an opportunity compose for a jazz combo; to create jazz arrangements for larger ensemble; and to analyse jazz compositions.  

Timetable

10 x 1 hr Lecture over 20 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus 

10 x 1 hr Tutorial over 20 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus 

5 x 2 hour workshops over 20 weeks

Requirements of Entry

None

Excluded Courses

MUSIC4104 The Jazz Composer (Hons)

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Harmonic Analysis (750 words) - 20%  

■ Arrangement (c. 3 minutes) - 20%  

■ Essay (750 words) - 30%  

■ Composition and reflective diary (1-2 minutes written work (more with improvisations) 750 words) - 30% 

 

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available: 

■ There are no alternatives to the assessments, but extensions to the deadlines can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

 

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.  

Main Assessment In: April/May

Course Aims

This course aims to:

■ Provide an overview of contemporary global jazz scholarship;

■ engender an awareness of jazz ethics and performance practice;

■ develop students' understanding of jazz harmonies;

■ develop students' ability to compose and arrange in a jazz style.

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

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

■ Engage in contemporary critical and contextual discourses about jazz and society;

■ understand the primary aspects of jazz harmony; 

■ apply practical approaches to jazz composition, including the use of lead sheets and charts for larger ensembles; 

■ develop a critical understanding of the diversity of jazz styles and practices across history and cultures

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions