MUS 170 : Jazz Performance 1

Creative Arts and Industries

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

The development of instrumental technique and improvisational skills though in-depth study of scales, rhythm, harmony and relevant musical analysis. This course prepares students who major in Jazz Performance and includes 1:1 tuition and group based improvisation classes.

Course Overview

The development of instrumental technique and improvisational skills though in-depth study of scales, rhythm, harmony and relevant musical analysis. This course prepares students who major in Jazz Performance and includes 1:1 tuition and group based improvisation classes.
The successful jazz musician requires a high degree of instrumental proficiency to engage at a professional level as the world of improvisational music offers a wide variety of challenging musical situations. This musical art form requires many key performance skills such as technical ability, sight reading, improvisation and melodic interpretation, repertoire, professionalism and presentation. The course establishes foundational knowledge and technique so that the student can move towards the refinement of musical skills through the progression of further study.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: Entrance is by audition. Departmental approval. Corequisite: MUS 197

Capabilities Developed in this Course

Capability 1: People and Place
Capability 3: Knowledge and Practice
Capability 5: Solution Seeking
Capability 7: Collaboration
Capability 8: Ethics and Professionalism
Graduate Profile: Bachelor of Music

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:
  1. To be able to perform technically and artistically at a level consistent with instrumental syllabus for stage one assessment (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  2. Demonstrate stylistic awareness while developing a jazz repertoire that is committed to memory (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  3. Construct and perform basic jazz improvised solos over selected jazz tunes with appropriate rhythmic phrasing (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  4. Demonstrate a good understanding of all aspects of jazz theory associated with the relevant course repertoire (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 8.1)
  5. Be able to Transcribe, perform and analyse recorded solo examples appropriate for stage one (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  6. Demonstrate the use of techniques such as melodic and rhythmic development, motif development, and melodic embellishment in solo construction (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Technical Assessment 30% Individual Test
Repertoire Assessment 30% Individual Test
Improvisation Assessment 40% Individual Test
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6
Technical Assessment
Repertoire Assessment
Improvisation Assessment
Assignments (as part of the course work for the Improvisation module or, the instrumental lessons) are to be submitted, according to submission type specied on Canvas, by the due date. In the event of illness or other circumstances that prevent completing an assignment, please contact the course coordinator with evidence as appropriate before the due date. Late assignments that do not have an approved extension will be penalized 10% for each day or part thereof. No assignment will be accepted after that assignment has been returned to students.

Students must gain at least 50% on all performance assessments (technical assessment, repertoire assessment, recital, as applicable) and their final overall mark to pass this course. If a student is unable to present themselves for their musical assessment or exam due to illness or other serious situation, they should contact their teacher and the Convenor of Jazz Performance immediately.  

Assessments overview:

Improvisation Assessment: The sum of all assessments related to the improvisation stream. This includes, but is not limited to, practical playing tests/performance assessments; transcription assignments (played live in class or as video submission); completion of set tasks such as exercises (related to jazz vocabulary); in-class 'on paper' tests assessing the theory concepts associated with the set improvisation repertoire. 

Technical Assessment: Tasks and exercises, set forth by the principal instrument teacher, that test the learning outcomes from the instrumental lessons, typically held in week 7, unless announced differently on Canvas. 

Repertoire Assessment: A student-led project whereby students prepare arrangements for a number of jazz tunes featuring themselves as band leader and instrumentalist. This task encompasses all aspects of jazz music making and band-leadership including (but not limited to): Selection and arranging of suitable repertoire; preparation of scores; selecting and rehearsing a band; live performance of the repertoire. This live performance assessment in typically held in week 13, unless announced differently on Canvas. 
Your principal instrument teacher will assist with the preparation; some concepts, such as arranging tools and scoring, will be covered in the improvisation module. 

Teaching & Learning Methods

One on one lessons: 1 hour/week
Improvisation classes (modules): 2 hours / week

Workload Expectations

Workload per semester:

Performance Lessons: 12 hours

Performance assessments: 1 hour

Improvisation lectures/tutorials (modules): 24 hours

Performance practise and study time: 48 hours

Improvisation practise and study time: 60 hours

Total: 150 hours

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is required at scheduled activities receive credit for components of the course.

The course may include live online events including such as group discussions/tutorials.
Attendance on campus is required for the tests.
The activities for the course are scheduled as a standard weekly timetable. Individual lessons will be organised with your principle instrument teacher.

Learning Resources

Course materials are made available in a learning and collaboration tool called Canvas which also includes reading lists and lecture recordings (where available).

Please remember that the recording of any class on a personal device requires the permission of the instructor.

Required text: Mark Levine, The Jazz Theory Book. SHER MUSIC CO.
Recommended reading: Keith Johnstone, IMPRO: Improvisation and the Theatre. Routledge, New York.
Mike Steinel “Jazz Improvisation”
Victor Wooten, The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music. Berkley Books, New York.
SoM Library, Google Scholar, YouTube, iTunes, Spotify and similar listening resources; handouts uploaded to Canvas.
Recommened software: iRealB, EarMaster7, SlowGold or a similar program, Sibelius, Aurelia.

Student Feedback

At the end of every semester students will be invited to give feedback on the course and teaching through a tool called SET or Qualtrics. The lecturers and course co-ordinators will consider all feedback and respond with summaries and actions.

Your feedback helps teachers to improve the course and its delivery for future students.

Class Representatives in each class can take feedback to the department and faculty staff-student consultative committees.

TECH assessment will be moved up from week 9 to week 7, allowing greater  focus during term 1 and reliving stress from multiple assessments in term 2.

Other Information

Students are required to check Canvas daily
Detailed information for each assessments will be posted on Canvas.
Complete attendance of all lessons and classes is essential for successful completion of this course

Academic Integrity

The University of Auckland will not tolerate cheating, or assisting others to cheat, and views cheating in coursework as a serious academic offence. The work that a student submits for grading must be the student's own work, reflecting their learning. Where work from other sources is used, it must be properly acknowledged and referenced. This requirement also applies to sources on the internet. A student's assessed work may be reviewed for potential plagiarism or other forms of academic misconduct, using computerised detection mechanisms.

Class Representatives

Class representatives are students tasked with representing student issues to departments, faculties, and the wider university. If you have a complaint about this course, please contact your class rep who will know how to raise it in the right channels. See your departmental noticeboard for contact details for your class reps.

Inclusive Learning

All students are asked to discuss any impairment related requirements privately, face to face and/or in written form with the course coordinator, lecturer or tutor.

Student Disability Services also provides support for students with a wide range of impairments, both visible and invisible, to succeed and excel at the University. For more information and contact details, please visit the Student Disability Services’ website http://disability.auckland.ac.nz

Special Circumstances

If your ability to complete assessed coursework is affected by illness or other personal circumstances outside of your control, contact a member of teaching staff as soon as possible before the assessment is due.

If your personal circumstances significantly affect your performance, or preparation, for an exam or eligible written test, refer to the University’s aegrotat or compassionate consideration page https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/academic-information/exams-and-final-results/during-exams/aegrotat-and-compassionate-consideration.html.

This should be done as soon as possible and no later than seven days after the affected test or exam date.

Learning Continuity

In the event of an unexpected disruption we undertake to maintain the continuity and standard of teaching and learning in all your courses throughout the year. If there are unexpected disruptions the University has contingency plans to ensure that access to your course continues and your assessment is fair, and not compromised. Some adjustments may need to be made in emergencies. You will be kept fully informed by your course co-ordinator, and if disruption occurs you should refer to the University Website for information about how to proceed.

Student Charter and Responsibilities

The Student Charter assumes and acknowledges that students are active participants in the learning process and that they have responsibilities to the institution and the international community of scholars. The University expects that students will act at all times in a way that demonstrates respect for the rights of other students and staff so that the learning environment is both safe and productive. For further information visit Student Charter https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/forms-policies-and-guidelines/student-policies-and-guidelines/student-charter.html.

Disclaimer

Elements of this outline may be subject to change. The latest information about the course will be available for enrolled students in Canvas.

In this course students may be asked to submit coursework assessments digitally. The University reserves the right to conduct scheduled tests and examinations for this course online or through the use of computers or other electronic devices. Where tests or examinations are conducted online remote invigilation arrangements may be used. In exceptional circumstances changes to elements of this course may be necessary at short notice. Students enrolled in this course will be informed of any such changes and the reasons for them, as soon as possible, through Canvas.

Students are expected to check Canvas daily for any matters related to this course. Any changes to this course outline will be announced on Canvas with sufficient notice. 
Published on 07/12/2023 08:05 a.m.