Course Catalogue

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This course examines the historical emergence of jazz style, as well as introducing and developing essential skills in jazz performance and transcription. This includes providing students with an opportunity to perform in a jazz combo setting; to observe, analyse and transcribe recorded jazz performances; and to engage critical perspectives on jazz performance as a distinct practice, as well as an aspect of culture and society.

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 as scheduled on MyCampus

Available to all students fulfilling requirements for Honours entry into Music Programmes, and by arrangement to visiting students or students of other Honours programmes who qualify under the University's 25% regulation

The Jazz Performer (Pre-Hons)

None

The standard assessments for this course are: 

■ Transcription and Observation (c. 1 minute transcription and 1000 words) - 40%  

■ Performance and Reflective Diary (c. 2 minutes and 1000 words) - 60%  

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 Transcription and Observation, but extensions to the deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustment (Students should follow the usual process for extensions). 

■ A recorded presentation or adapted/alternative performing space and/or reduced audience as an alternative to the performance. 

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

This course aims to:

■ Provide students with an opportunity to critically examine the global histories, repertoires and styles of jazz performance;

■ develop a critical awareness of jazz ethics and performance practice;

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

■ allow students to collaborate with other musicians in a group performance setting.

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

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

■ Develop critical awareness of jazz performance practice, including a sense of jazz ethics;

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

■ apply practical approaches to performance.