MUS 274 : Jazz Theory and Musicianship

Creative Arts and Industries

2024 Semester One (1243) (15 POINTS)

Course Prescription

An exploration of more advanced jazz theory and musicianship skills including aural and harmony. Coursework prepares students for the implementation of fundamental written theoretical skills. This course also includes a keyboard tutorial.

Course Overview

This course begins with advanced jazz theory and aural training and gradually introduces re-harmonisation, harmonic and melodic composition in the second half, applying theory and aural skills to create and arrange original works. The keyboard tutorial supports these activities, enabling students of all instruments through practical application.

Course Requirements

Prerequisite: MUS 104

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. Display an understanding as well as the application of fourths voicings. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  2. Apply advanced chord and scale material in improvisation and composition. (Capability 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  3. Understand song structures in Jazz. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  4. Apply basic and advanced Re-harmonization of jazz standard tunes. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  5. Use advanced rhythmic material: Poly-meter, Cross rhythm, Bi-metrical relationships. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  6. Identify chords and chord progressions as well as intervals and song structures: asymmetrical song form, chord qualities in inversion, upper extensions that relate to advanced jazz harmony. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  7. Apply composition of Jazz tunes using functional melody/harmony relationships; application of basic melodic and harmonic writing techniques. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  8. Understand chord symbols using modern voicings incorporating alterations to 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  9. Apply piano accompanying skills. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1 and 8.2)
  10. Be able to arrange a jazz standard incorporating melody and chords both as separate left and right parts, and as integrated parts between the two hands. (Capability 1.2, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1 and 8.1)

Assessments

Assessment Type Percentage Classification
Theory and Aural Assessment 1 20% Individual Test
Theory and Aural Assessment 2 20% Individual Test
Composition assignment 20% Individual Coursework
Re-harmonization assignment 10% Individual Coursework
Piano Test 1 15% Individual Test
Piano Test 2 15% Individual Test
Assessment Type Learning Outcome Addressed
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Theory and Aural Assessment 1
Theory and Aural Assessment 2
Composition assignment
Re-harmonization assignment
Piano Test 1
Piano Test 2
Assignments are to be submitted, according to submission type specified on CANVAS, by the due date. In the event of illness or other circumstances which prevent the completion of an assignment, please contact the course coordinator with evidence as appropriate, prior to 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. 

Teaching & Learning Methods

This theory content of this course connects to, and builds on, the knowledge obtained in the relevant first-year jazz courses. From week 7 onwards, students begin to apply these skills and concepts; first in re-harmonisation, then in composition concepts, which will be introduced. Prior to the due dates for the re-harmonisation and composition assignments, students are given the opportunity to present their draft works in class and receive valuable feedback from the instructor as well as from peers. 

Workload Expectations

 Preparation of Composition and Arranging Assignments: 15 hours

Theory / Aural Training / Composition / Arranging Lectures: 24 hours

Piano Instruction: 12 hours

Personal study and practice: 99 hours

Delivery Mode

Campus Experience

Attendance is expected at scheduled activities including tutorials and workshops to successfully complete the course. Lectures will be available as recordings. Other learning activities including tutorials and workshops will not be available as recordings. The course may include live online events such as tutorials.

Attendance on campus is required for the tests and assessments. 

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.

Relevant handout material, circulated as hardcopy, Sibelius file or other Canvas resource; Re-harmonization and Composition examples, delivered via Sibelius software or played live in class by students; Aural training examples such as chords, intervals, melody and rhythm played live by the instructor or through audio resource; Theory practice sheets as Canvas resource; Power point presentations. Piano tutorial; in purpose designed keyboard lab; Relevant examples of chord voicings and application in repertoire given as hardcopy in class. Aural examples played in class by lecturer. Individual feedback and instruction given by lecturer within the limits of the group teaching environment. Please note: Students require their own headphones for this class.

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.

Improved flow of topics Theory/Arranging/Composition and Aural Training

Other Information

Software:
Some of the learning resources will be made available as Sibelius files. Sibelius notation software is available on the computers in the lab, level 1, KMC 820. Alternatively use your own version which must be Sibelius 7 or higher. 

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.

Published on 07/12/2023 08:06 a.m.