Dip Music in Jazz Performance Course Structure
The course structure for the Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance is based on 2 semesters, with 7 units taught in each semester. It comprises 14 subjects in total, all of them being core subjects.
To qualify for award of the degree of Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance a candidate shall accrue an aggregate of 80 credit points with the satisfactory completion of the core subjects noted below.
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SEMESTER 1
Jazz Performance Studies
Concert Performance Practice 1 (3 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Concert Performance Practice 1
Subject Code: 11107
Credit Points: 3
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Students who do not pass a semester of this subject will be required to repeat
Modes: Full-time. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 hour practical class per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Paula Girvan, Ben Hauptmann
Subject Rationale:
Jazz musicians need to perform together with other musicians and be able to engage in reflective and analytical discourse about their own performance and that of their peers. Concert Performance Practice gives students the opportunity to perform among and with their peers and engage in such discourse.
In the context of this course, Concert Performance Practice provides the outlet in which the students’ developing body of knowledge and skills come together in performance and critical analysis. It offers a range of performance practice formats and styles which build the students’ experiences from conceptual and practical perspectives. Covering all set lists, it expands student familiarity with repertoire. Both sequenced and layered in experience, the subject has students draw upon their own understanding of jazz style, materials, historical and social contexts, and performance practice to make informed comments on their own work and that of their peers. Engaging with students of different levels of experience expands the breadth of their experience.
This subject involves all students from all levels and is a core subject throughout all semesters of study. Thus, it exposes all students to all set repertoire lists, although they will only be required to perform from the list appropriate to their level.
Learning Outcomes
Through reflective and analytical discourse about their own performance and that of their peers, their ensemble participation and leadership, improvisation, technique, and presentation, students will develop the knowledge and confidence required to:
- Engage in critical listening and constructive reflection on performance
- Expand their understanding of theoretical and stylistic concepts
- Write constructively in response to own and peer performances
- Enhance their own performance skills through analysis and reflection
- Lead a performance ensemble
Assessment
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Practical Performance | 10 minutes maximum before peer audience | 1,2,4,5 | 1-12 | As scheduled | 50% |
Individual Reflective Essay | 1000 word reflective essay on own performance | 1,3,4 | 1-12 | One week after scheduled performance | 25% |
Peer Review Essay | 1000 word peer review essay | 1,3,4 | 1-12 | Assessment period | 25% |
Ensemble 1 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Ensemble 1
Subject Code: 11113
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Nil
Modes: Full-time, in person. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 Hours per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: All Sessional Staff
Subject Rationale
Professional jazz players need highly developed ensemble skills and experience. Ensemble aptitude is therefore an integral component of the course for all students. In this subject, students experience the dynamics of working in a jazz ensemble and develop skills and understanding appropriate to this setting. In the context of this course, Ensemble brings all the elements together, practical and theoretical. Using the set repertoire which students are learning in Principal Study and developing through Improvisation and Concert Performance Practice, it integrates student experience of all set repertoire through a sense of balance, style, timing, tone colour, intonation, interpretation, sectional and sight reading skills, etiquette and ethics relevant to ensemble performance. In this subject students will be placed in one or more small group ensembles and will develop repertoire from the supporting repertoire lists as well as other suggestions from students and teachers. All chosen repertoire will be learned, practised and analysed in this subject, using knowledge and skills developed in other subjects of the course. Ensemble classes will refine listening skills, reading skills, and blending within an ensemble. It is recommended that ensembles rehearse regularly outside the formal supervised times. Although there is a focus on small ensembles, students have the opportunity to play in a range of ensembles, including various jazz combos, vocal groups, duos, trios, quartets, quintets and larger contemporary music ensembles depending on the student cohort.
Learning Outcomes:
Through effective integration of the knowledge and skills gained from other subjects in this course, on successful completion of this subject, students will be able to
- Demonstrate effective group cohesion within an ensemble
- Perform selected repertoire and musical arrangements, using skills of sight reading and improvisation informed by theoretical, historical and contextual understanding of the music
- Engage in collaborative discussion and peer review of the ensemble’s performance
- Demonstrate efficient rehearsal strategies
Weekly Topics
- Define musical direction of ensemble,
- Organise repertoire from supporting repertoire list,
- Organise arrangements,
- Implement repertoire,
- Implement arrangements,
- Rehearse repertoire,
- Rehearse arrangements,
- Critical listening for arrangement ideas,
- Rehearsal for performance
Assessment
Assessment Item | Detail | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Due | Weighting |
Group Performance | 1 x performance | 1,2,4 | As scheduled | 50% |
Ensemble Contribution | Contribution towards Ensemble class | 1,2,4 | Each Week | 30% |
Individual reflective Essay | Critical review of ensemble experience | 3 | Exam Period | 20% |
Principal Study 1 (12 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Principal Study 1
Subject Code: 11145
Credit Points: 12
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Nil.
Modes: In person. On campus only
Delivery / Contact hrs: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Sessional staff
Subject Rationale:
Principal Study 1 develops each student’s technical skill in their discipline, and challenges and extends their artistic understanding and creativity. The study is sequenced according to the needs and abilities of each individual, and the demands of each instrument. In the context of this course, Principal Study prepares the student technically and musically to be able to apply knowledge learned in academic and practical classes and developed in ensembles. Study is undertaken through individual lessons, workshops and masterclasses in the instrument/voice, in which the student’s technical and musical proficiency is assessed and developed and a range of repertoire is explored.
Principal Study uses the repertoire list to foster:
- a thorough technical foundation in the instrument,
- the ability to perform required repertoire confidently in public,
- the ability to express and communicate artistic ideas and intentions,
- a secure knowledge of repertoire and style
- independence and problem solving,
- self reliance in practice
- critical reflection on personal musical expression
- self motivation and organisation
- management of physical demands, and
- an ability to meet practical requirements and deadlines
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to demonstrate developing understanding and proficiency in all aspects of performance relative to their instrument/voice and commensurate with established international benchmarks, in particular:
- Secure technical skills
- The ability to perform required repertoire, scales and chords with accuracy and fluency, displaying rhythmic control with developing expressive sense
- The ability to express creative ideas using musical language
- A sound knowledge of relevant literature and set repertoire
- Knowledge of and sensitivity to stylistic features of jazz (tone, phrasing, rhythm, feel, etc) found in set repertoire
- The ability to improvise creatively appropriate to skill development and set repertoire
Repertoire list
Mack The Knife
Bye Bye Blackbird
Blue Bossa
Autumn Leaves
Honeysuckle Rose
Take The A Train
**Blue Monk
**Now’s The Time
**Lester Leaps In
Assessment
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Technical exam | Technical requirements specific to each instrument | 1,2,3,4 | 1-12 | Assessment period | 40% |
Recital | Performance Recital | 1,2,3,4,5 | 1-12 | Assessment period | 60% |
Core Studies
Aural and Analysis 1 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Aural and Analysis 1
Subject Code: 12101
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music Jazz in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core/Elective: Core
Pre/Co-requisites: Nil
Modes: Full-Time. On Campus only
Delivery / Contact hours: 2 hr Lecture per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Paula Girvan
Subject Rationale
Musicians (and particularly jazz musicians) rely heavily on aural acuity in making appropriate interactions during performance. This subject is therefore critical to overall progress for each student, because it re-establishes the ear as the primary element in the creation and reception of jazz music. The subject unites the areas of listening, aural analysis and memory to give students a greater degree of musical perception and awareness. In the context of this course, through aural analysis this subject enhances performance through the development of aural memory and awareness, and integrates with other subjects by developing aural recognition of rhythmic, harmonic (diatonic and modal) and melodic elements of set repertoire. Through aural analysis, this subject broadens stylistic knowledge in parallel with Jazz in Context, and the practice-based classes. Aural & Analysis classes develop aural awareness through multi-tasking, combining such skills as listening, aural modelling, conceptual tasking, analysing, performance, sight-singing, memorisation and improvisation in an interactive group.
Learning Outcomes:
Aural and Analysis 1 will consist of fundamental recognition including intervals, intonation, chord quality, and rhythm and chord progressions as set for this level. On successful completion of the subject, students will be able to:
- Recognise, aurally analyse and reproduce chords and intervals set for this level
- Aurally analyse chord quality and progression
- Recognise and correctly notate rhythmic patterns
- Perform tasks involving aural cognition and coordination, e.g. identifying and responding to indifferent intonation; listening and transcribing musical elements
Assessment
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes Assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Midsemester Exam | Recognition: Intervals, triads, chords, chord progressions, rhythm dictation, melodic dictation, | 1,2,3,4 | 1 – 4 | Week 5 | 20% |
Transcription Assignment | Melodic/harmonic/rhythmic transcription from recordings | 4 | 1 – 12 | Week 12 | 30% |
Final Exam | Covering all content learnt in unit | 1,2,3,4 | 1 – 12 | Assessment period | 50% |
Jazz in Context 1 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Jazz in Context 1
Subject Code: 12131
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Nil
Modes: Full-time, in person. On campus only
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 hour lecture per week for 12 weeks.
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Andrew Shaw
Subject Rationale:
An understanding of jazz in its historical and social contexts builds a body of knowledge on which the professional musician draws in performance. In the context of this course, Jazz in Context develops an understanding of the music being performed by students in their practice-based subjects. Although it does not entirely depend on the set repertoire list, there are close relationships between the Semester 1 Repertoire List and the material studied in Jazz in Context 1. This subject therefore connects with Principal Study, Ensemble, Improvisation and Concert Performance Practice. This subject also refers to the musical context by linking repertoire and artists to the musical practices they use, thus linking to some degree with Jazz Materials 1 and Aural & Analysis 1. This subject develops the student’s ability to formulate and express their musical ideas, informed by historical, cultural and stylistic concepts and practice. Through research, analysis, discussion and critical reflection, it builds context around key composers, performers, compositions and musical forms from early jazz styles through to the end of the 1950s. Students will research the work of individual artists in their historical and social settings through reading, critical listening and discussion, to gain an understanding of early jazz.
Learning Outcomes:
Through consideration and evaluation of past practice, students will build a foundation from which they are able to:
- Reveal an understanding of the background of early jazz and its relationship to African slavery and pre-jazz musical setting.
- Reveal a broad awareness and understanding of how jazz relates to its cultural setting in the period from the late 1800s to 1959
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of critical and academic writing about jazz
- Demonstrate developing skills in information literacy, research and documentation
- Reveal a developing capacity for discernment and critical thinking
Assessment:
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Genre analysis: 1000 – 1500 words plus details of 10 sources | From selective list | 1,2,3,4,5 | N/A | Week 12 | 40% |
In Class Listening Test | In class listening information from week 1 – 6 | 1,2,5 | 1-6 | Week 7 | 30% |
In Class Listening Test | In class listening information from week 7 – 12 | 1,2,5 | 7-12 | Exam Period | 30% |
Jazz Materials 1 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Jazz Materials 1
Subject Code: 12133
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Nil
Modes: Full-Time. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 Hour lecture per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Paula Girvan
Subject Rationale:
In this subject students develop a working knowledge of jazz theory as it is applied in practice. It fosters awareness and understanding of jazz harmony, melody, rhythm and notation which will serve their needs as performers, composers, arrangers, teachers, and other professions in the jazz.
Learning Outcomes:
Jazz Materials 1 will develop fundamental theoretical concepts of jazz. In this subject students will develop a clear understanding of, and ability to demonstrate:
- Conceptual understanding of the musical components and processes in jazz and basic Western harmony
- Acquired knowledge of Western harmonic progressions which are relevant also to jazz
- Acquired capacity to integrate musical knowledge and skills
Assessment:
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Etude/Study | Etude/Study, Bass lines and Solo assignment | 1,2,3 | 1-5 | Week 9 | 30% |
Piano Skills | Piano skills exam | 1,2,3 | 1 – 12 | Assessment period | 20% |
Final Exam | Covering all content learnt in unit | 1,2,3 | 1 – 12 | Assessment period | 50% |
Creative Studies
Improvisation Techniques 1 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Improvisation Techniques 1
Subject Code: 13119
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Nil
Modes: Full-time. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Josh Hatcher, Mike Anderson
Subject Rationale
Excellent skills in improvisation are essential to jazz musicians, and therefore form a fundamental component of this course. This subject develops skills and conceptual understanding of improvisation. In the context of this course, Improvisation uses set repertoire and general improvisation concepts which are in common with those in Principal Study 1, Ensemble 1, Jazz Materials 1, Aural & Analysis and Concert Performance Practice 1. Students build a basic range of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic improvisation techniques common to jazz, and trial and extend them in class, through analysis and practical application and reference to theoretical knowledge. In the process, they also develop sight reading and sectional skills. Improvisation 1 focuses on Major, Dominant, Dorian Minor scales and the ii-7/V7/I progression, applying these harmonic concepts in a practical, creative manner to achieve fluency integrated with the understanding achieved by analysing the same repertoire in other core subjects.
Learning Outcomes:
Through increasingly creative improvisation founded on theory and practice, on successful completion, students will be expected to:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of a fundamental range of melodic, harmonic and rhythmical improvisational techniques
- Demonstrate through performance; the melody, harmony and rhythm of core repertoire from memory
- Reveal internalised basic melodic, harmonic and rhythmical improvisational techniques which have been developed through critical listening
- Demonstrate relevant practical and aural skills in applying an understanding of harmony and melody through fluent improvisation
Assessment:
Assessment Item | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Practical Assessment 1 | 1,2,3,4,5 | 1-6 | Week 6 | 35% |
Practical Assessment 2 | 1,2,5 | 7-11 | Week 11 | 35% |
Practical Assessment 3 | 1,2,5 | 1-12 | Assessment Period | 30% |
SEMESTER 2
Jazz Performance Studies
Concert Performance Practice 2 (3 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Concert Performance Practice 2
Subject Code: 11108
Credit Points: 3
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Students who do not pass a semester of this subject will be required to repeat
Modes: Full-time. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 hour practical class per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Paula Girvan, Ben Hauptmann
Subject Rationale:
Jazz musicians need to perform together with other musicians, and be able to engage in reflective and analytical discourse about their own performance and that of their peers. Concert Performance Practice gives students the opportunity to perform among and with their peers and engage in such discourse. In the context of this course, Concert Performance Practice provides the outlet in which the students’ developing body of knowledge and skills come together in performance and critical analysis. It offers a range of performance practice formats and styles which build the student s’ experiences from conceptual and practical perspectives. Covering all set lists, it expands student familiarity with repertoire. Both sequenced and layered in experience, the subject has students draw upon their own understanding of jazz style, materials, historical and social contexts, and performance practice to make informed comments on their own work and that of their peers. Engaging with students of different levels of experience expands the breadth of their experience. This subject involves all students from all levels and is a core subject throughout all semesters of study. Thus it exposes all students to all set repertoire lists, although they will only be required to perform from the list appropriate to their level.
Learning Outcomes
Through reflective and analytical discourse about their own performance and that of their peers, their ensemble participation and leadership, improvisation, technique, and presentation, students will develop the knowledge and confidence required to:
- Engage in critical listening and constructive reflection on performance
- Expand their understanding of theoretical and stylistic concepts
- Write effectively and constructively in response to own and peer performances
- Demonstrate insightful performances influenced by analysis and reflection
- Demonstrate informed leadership in a performance ensemble
Assessment
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Practical Performance | 10 minutes maximum before peer audience | 1,2,4,5 | 1-12 | As scheduled | 50% |
Individual Reflective Essay | 1000 word reflective essay on own performance | 1,3,4 | 1-12 | One week after scheduled performance | 25% |
Peer Review Essay | 1000 word peer review essay | 1,3,4 | 1-12 | Assessment period | 25% |
Ensemble 2 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Ensemble 2
Subject Code: 11114
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Nil
Modes: Full-time, in person. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 Hours per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Sessional Staff
Subject Rationale
Professional jazz players need highly developed ensemble skills and experience. Ensemble aptitude is therefore an integral component of the course for all students. In this subject, students experience the dynamics of working in a jazz ensemble and develop skills and understanding appropriate to this setting. In the context of this course, Ensemble brings all the elements together, practical and theoretical. Using the set repertoire which students are learning in Principal Study and developing through Improvisation and Concert Performance Practice, it integrates student experience of all set repertoire through a sense of balance, style, timing, tone colour, intonation, interpretation, sectional playing and sight reading, etiquette and ethics relevant to ensemble performance. In this subject students will be placed in one or more small group ensembles and will develop repertoire from the supporting lists as well as other suggestions from students and teachers. All chosen repertoire will be learned, practised and analysed in this subject, using knowledge and skills developed in other subjects of the course. Ensemble classes will refine listening skills, reading skills, and blending within an ensemble. It is recommended that ensembles rehearse regularly outside the formal supervised times. Although there is a focus on small ensembles, students have the opportunity to play in a range of ensembles, including various jazz combos, vocal groups, duos, trios, quartets, quintets and larger contemporary music ensembles depending on the student cohort.
Learning Outcomes:
Through effective integration of the knowledge and skills gained from other subjects in this course, on successful completion of this subject, students will be able to
- Demonstrate effective group cohesion within an ensemble
- Perform selected repertoire and musical arrangements, using skills of sight reading and improvisation informed by theoretical, historical and contextual understanding of the music.
- Engage in collaborative discussion and peer review of each ensemble’s performance
- Demonstrate increasingly efficient rehearsal strategies
Assessment
Assessment Item | Detail | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Due | Weighting |
Group Performance | 1 x 30 minute performance | 1,2,4 | As scheduled | 50% |
Ensemble Contribution | Contribution towards Ensemble class | 1,2,4 | Each Week | 30% |
Written reflective Essay | Critical review of ensemble experience | 3 | Exam period | 20% |
Principal Study 2 (12 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Principal Study 2
Subject Code: 11146
Credit Points: 12
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Principal Study 1
Modes: In person. On campus only
Delivery / Contact hrs: 1 hour per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Sessional staff
Subject Rationale
Principal Study 2 develops each student’s technical skill in their discipline, and challenges and extends their artistic understanding and creativity. The study is sequenced according to the needs and abilities of each individual, and the demands of each instrument. In the context of this course, Principal Study prepares the student technically and musically to be able to apply knowledge developed in academic and practical classes. Study is undertaken through individual lessons, workshops and masterclasses in the instrument/voice, in which the student’s technical and musical proficiency is assessed and developed and a range of repertoire is explored, including that from the set repertoire list.
Principal Study uses the repertoire list to foster:
- a thorough technical foundation in the instrument, repertoire and stylistic knowledge,
- the ability to perform required repertoire confidently in public,
- the ability to express and communicate artistic ideas and intentions,
- secure knowledge of repertoire and style
- independence and problem solving,
- self reliance in practice
- critical reflection on personal musical expression
- self motivation and organisation
- management of physical demands, and
- an ability to meet practical requirements and deadlines
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this subject, students will be able to demonstrate developing understanding and proficiency in all aspects of performance relative to their instrument/voice and commensurate with established international benchmarks, in particular:
- Secure technical skills
- The ability to perform required repertoire, scales and chords with accuracy and fluency, displaying rhythmic control with developing expressive sense
- A sound knowledge of relevant literature and set repertoire
- Knowledge of stylistic features of jazz (tone, phrasing, rhythm, feel, etc) relevant to set repertoire
- Ability to improvise creatively appropriate to skill development, and using set repertoire
Repertoire list:
Broadway
In Mellow Tone
Beautiful Love
There Is No Greater Love
There Will Never Be Another You
Sweet Georgia Brown
**Tenor Madness
**Doxy
**I Can’t Get Started
Assessment:
A graded result reflects the level of achievement in technical assessments and recitals. During the semester, each student receives regular critical feedback and formative evaluation by staff in individual and group contexts. The following assessment requirements may vary according to the nature of the instrument. Detailed guidelines setting out specific requirements and assessment criteria for each discipline will be provided to the student.
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Recital | Performance Recital | 1,2,3,4,5 | 1-12 | Assessment period | 40% |
Technical exam | Technical requirements specific to each instrument | 1,2,3,4 | 1-12 | Assessment period | 30% |
Transcription | Transcribe a Blues solo of 24 bars selected or otherwise approved solo | 1,3,4 | 1-12 | Week 12 | 30% |
Core Studies
Aural and Analysis 2 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Aural and Analysis 2
Subject Code: 12102
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music Jazz in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core/Elective: Core
Pre/Co-requisites: Aural and Analysis 1
Modes: Full-Time. On Campus only
Delivery / Contact hours: 2 hr Lecture per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Paula Girvan
Subject Rationale
Musicians (and particularly jazz musicians) rely heavily on aural acuity in making appropriate interactions during performance. This subject unites the areas of listening, aural analysis and memory and is therefore critical to overall progress for each student, because it re-establishes the ear as the primary element in the creation and reception of jazz music. In the context of this course, through aural analysis this subject enhances performance through the development of aural memory and awareness, and integrates with other subjects by developing aural recognition of rhythmic, harmonic (diatonic and modal) and melodic elements of set repertoire. Through aural analysis, this subject broadens stylistic knowledge in parallel with Jazz in Context, and the practice-based classes. Aural & Analysis classes develop aural awareness through multi-tasking, combining such skills as listening, aural modelling, conceptual tasking, analysing, performance, sight-singing, memorisation and improvisation in an interactive group.
Learning Outcomes:
Aural and Analysis 2 continues to advance aural awareness through recognition of increasingly complex intervals, intonation, chord quality, and rhythm and chord progressions as set for this level. It introduces modes and modal harmony.
On successful completion of the subject, students will be able to:
- Recognise, aurally analyse and accurately reproduce intervals and chords set for this level
- Aurally analyse chord quality and progression
- Recognise and correctly notate the rhythmic patterns set for this level
- Perform tasks involving aural cognition and coordination, e.g. identifying and responding to indifferent intonation; listening and correctly transcribing musical elements
Assessment
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes Assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Individual Assessment 1 | Recognition of Intervals, Melodies, Chords, Chord progressions, Modes, Rhythms and core rep tunes, including lyrics. | 1,2,3,4 | 1 – 4 | Week 5 | 20% |
Individual Assessment 2 | Recognition & Singing (individual) of Intervals, Melodies, Chords, Chord progressions, Modes, Rhythms and core rep tunes, including lyrics. | 1,2,3,4 | 1 – 8 | Week 9 & 10 in class | 40% |
Individual Assessment 3 | Recognition of Intervals, Melodies, Chords, Chord progressions, Modes, Rhythms and core rep tunes, including lyrics | 1,2,3,4 | 1 – 12 | Exam Period | 40% |
Jazz in Context 2 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Jazz in Context 2
Subject Code: 12132
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Jazz in Context 1
Modes: Full-time, in person. On campus only
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 hour lecture per week for 12 weeks.
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Andrew Shaw
Subject Rationale:
An understanding of jazz in its historical and social contexts builds a body of knowledge on which the professional musician draws in performance. In the context of this course, Jazz in Context develops an understanding of the music being performed by students in their practice-based subjects. Although it does not entirely depend on the set repertoire list, there are close relationships between the Semester 1 Repertoire List and the material studied in Jazz in Context 1. This subject therefore connects with Principal Study, Ensemble, Improvisation and Concert Performance Practice. This subject also refers to the musical context by linking repertoire and artists to the musical practices they use, thus linking to some degree with Jazz Materials 1 and Aural & Analysis 1. This subject builds context around key composers, performers, compositions and musical forms from mid-20th century through to the current day. Students will research the work of individual artists in their historical and social settings through reading, critical listening and discussion, to gain an understanding of modern jazz.
Learning Outcomes:
Through consideration and evaluation of past and present practice, students will build a foundation from which they are able to:
- Reveal an understanding of the developments in jazz in the latter part of the 20th century and the early 21st century
- Demonstrate an understanding of jazz in the contemporary Australian context
- Reveal through coherent written language, developing skills in information literacy, research, critical analysis and documentation
- Demonstrate skills of critical listening through correctly identifying different jazz styles and artists, including Australian examples.
Assessment:
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Listening exam | Class content from week 1 – 6 | 1,2,3 | 1-6 | Week 7 | 30% |
Research assignment: Genre analysis 1500 words | Genre analysis | 3,4,5,6 | 1-9 | Week 10 | 40% |
Listening and short answer exam. | 1,2,4 | 1-12 | Exam Period | 30% |
Jazz Materials 2 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Jazz Materials 2
Subject Code: 12134
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Jazz Materials 1
Modes: Full-Time. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 Hour lecture per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Paula Girvan
Subject Rationale:
In this subject students develop a working knowledge of jazz theory as it is applied in practice. It fosters awareness and understanding of jazz harmony, melody, rhythm and notation which will serve their needs as performers, composers, arrangers, teachers, and other professions in the jazz.
Learning Outcomes:
In this subject students will develop a clear understanding of, and ability to demonstrate:
- A clear conceptual understanding of the musical components and processes in jazz and modal harmony
- An acquired knowledge of modal and other harmonic progressions used in jazz
- An acquired capacity to integrate musical knowledge and skills
- An ability to apply the concepts of this subject in practice
Assessment:
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Assessment Item 1 | Short answer written exam | 1,2,3,4 | 1-5 | Week 6 | 30% |
Assessment Item 2 | Piano skills | 1,2,3,4 | 1-12 | Exam Period | 20% |
Assessment Item 3 | Final Written Exam | 1,2,3,4 | 1-12 | Exam Period | 50% |
Creative Studies
Improvisation Techniques 2 (5 Credit Points)
Subject Name: Improvisation Techniques 2
Subject Code: 13120
Credit Points: 5
Award(s): Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance, Diploma of Music in Jazz Performance
Core / Elective: Core
Pre / co-requisites: Improvisation Techniques 1
Modes: Full-time. On campus only.
Delivery / Contact hrs: 2 hours per week for 12 weeks
Subject Coordinator: Paula Girvan
Teaching Staff: Josh Hatcher, Mike Anderson
Subject Rationale
Excellent skills in improvisation are essential to jazz musicians, and therefore form a fundamental component of this course. This subject develops skills and conceptual understanding of improvisation. In the context of this course, Improvisation uses set repertoire and general improvisation concepts which are in common with those in Principal Study, Ensemble, Jazz Materials, Aural & Analysis and Contemporary Performance Practice. This subject builds on the improvisational concepts learned in Improvisation Studies 1 by providing a range of approaches to modal harmony and its application to the repertoire specified for this semester through analysis and practical application. . In the process, they also develop sight reading and sectional skills. Improvisation 2 focuses on applying modal concepts in a practical, creative manner to achieve fluency linked to the understanding achieved by analysing the same repertoire in other core subjects in this semester.
Learning Outcomes:
Through increasingly creative improvisation founded on theory and practice, on successful completion, students will be expected to:
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of a fundamental range of melodic, harmonic and rhythmical improvisational techniques, particularly those based on modal harmony
- Demonstrate through performance; the melody, harmony and rhythm of core repertoire from memory
- Reveal internalised fundamental melodic, modal and rhythmical improvisational techniques which have been developed through critical listening
- Demonstrate relevant practical and aural skills in applying a basic understanding of modal concepts through fluent improvisation
Assessment:
Assessment Item | Topic/s | Learning Outcomes assessed (LO) | Week Content Delivered | Due | Weighting |
Practical Assessment: Repertoire Assessment 1 | Repertoire Assessment | 1,2,3,4 | 1-5 | Week 6 | 35% |
Practical Assessment: Repertoire Assessment 2 | Repertoire Assessment | 1,2,3,4 | 7-12 | Week 12 | 35% |
Practical Assessment: Individual improvisations | Demonstrate multiple improvisation techniques learned to include use of rhythm, guide tones; harmonic relationship; and melodic embellishment over 3 repertoire pieces of assessor’s choice with staff rhythm section. | 1,2,3,4 | 1-12 | Exam Period | 30% |