Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Jazz Improvisation 2
  • Unit Code

    MUS1317
  • Year

    2015
  • Enrolment Period

    1
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    10
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

Extensions of basic jazz improvisation techniques are studied in this unit in order to develop the students facility in the technical and stylistic aspects of improvisation. Ensemble repertoire will be used to provide a basis for these improvisations, with both harmonic and rhythmic aspects of improvisation being considered.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 4 units from MUS1305, MUS1308, MUS1309, MUS1313

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded MUS1207

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Compose solos incorporating the techniques studied.
  2. Improvise using embellished guide tones over course repertoire.
  3. Improvise using scales and chord tones over course repertoire.
  4. Improvise with proficient rhythmic skills and diversity.
  5. Understand basic bebop techniques for improvisation.

Unit Content

  1. Basic substitution.
  2. Bebop scales.
  3. Chromatic approach and surround techniques.
  4. Major scale tone harmony.
  5. Syncopation and rhythmic displacement.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, Workshops.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentCompose a solo using basic bebop techniques15%
PerformanceImprovise using appropriate scale choices and surrounding techniques15%
AssignmentCompose a solo using the techniques studied throughout the year20%
ExaminationImprovise according to lecturer instructions using all topics studied during the year50%

Text References

  • Levine, M. (1995). The jazz theory book. USA: Sher Music.
  • Crook, H. (2002). How to improvise. USA: Advance Music.
  • Crook, H. (1999). Reay, aim, improvise!. USA: Advance Music.
  • Baker, D. (1984). Jazz improvisation. USA: Alfred Pub Co.

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

MUS1317|1|1

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

  • Unit Title

    Jazz Improvisation 2
  • Unit Code

    MUS1317
  • Year

    2015
  • Enrolment Period

    2
  • Version

    1
  • Credit Points

    10
  • Full Year Unit

    N
  • Mode of Delivery

    On Campus

Description

Extensions of basic Jazz improvisation techniques are studied in this unit in order to develop the students facility in the technical and stylistic aspects of improvisation. Ensemble repertoire will be used to provide a basis for these improvisations, with both harmonic and rhythmic aspects of improvisation being considered.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 4 units from MUS1305, MUS1308, MUS1309, MUS1313

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded MUS1207

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

  1. Compose solos incorporating the techniques studied.
  2. Improvise using embellished guide tones over course repertoire.
  3. Improvise using scales and chord tones over course repertoire.
  4. Improvise with proficient rhythmic skills and diversity.
  5. Understand basic bebop techniques for improvisation.

Unit Content

  1. Melodic Construction/Chord Tone and Guide Tone soloing continued.
  2. Syncopation concepts
  3. iii-VI7-ii-V7-I Progressions.
  4. Bebop Scales toward consecutive 8th note lines.
  5. Swing Feel
  6. Blues devices.
  7. Improvising with the melody/melodic targeting.
  8. Bebop patterns in 12 keys.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, Workshops.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

ON CAMPUS
TypeDescriptionValue
AssignmentWrite and perform a solo over repertoire using improvisation concepts from the Unit Content.20%
PerformanceImprovise incorporating melodic and rhythmic devices from the Unit Content as instructed by lecturer.20%
PerformanceBebop patterns in 12 keys as instructed by lecturer.20%
ExaminationImprovise according to lecturer instructions using any of the studied Unit Content during the year.40%

Text References

  • Crook, H. (2002). How to improvise. USA: Advance Music.
  • Levine, M. (1995). The jazz theory book. USA: Sher Music.
  • Baker, D. (1984). Jazz improvisation. USA: Alfred Pub Co.
  • Crook, H. (1999). Reay, aim, improvise!. USA: Advance Music.

Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005)

For the purposes of considering a request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Commonwealth 2005), inherent requirements for this subject are articulated in the Unit Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the support for students with disabilities or medical conditions can be found at the Access and Inclusion website.

Academic Misconduct

Edith Cowan University has firm rules governing academic misconduct and there are substantial penalties that can be applied to students who are found in breach of these rules. Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • plagiarism;
  • unauthorised collaboration;
  • cheating in examinations;
  • theft of other students' work;

Additionally, any material submitted for assessment purposes must be work that has not been submitted previously, by any person, for any other unit at ECU or elsewhere.

The ECU rules and policies governing all academic activities, including misconduct, can be accessed through the ECU website.

MUS1317|1|2