This module is optional at level 6 for students of Popular Music. The module aims to develop your ability to recognise features of a range of jazz styles within a historical context and to put them into practice. Characteristic elements of jazz, including structure, harmony, melody, rhythm and improvisational practice, will be studied and applied in performance.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
This module will be taught through lectures and workshops, with all students engaging with the theory and practice of jazz throughout the year. Extensive formative feedback will be provided in workshops and practical performance sessions. Class discussion will be encouraged and students will document their learning in an individual portfolio.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | Lectures / workshops / seminars | 66 |
| Guided independent study | Student independent study and collaborative practical work | 234 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Formative assessment opportunities will be provided regularly as part of the practical performance-based workshops and seminars.
Summative assessment will be through:
1: A portfolio of jazz harmony and theory exercises and compositions (30%).
2: Transcription and critical analysis of a recording of a solo by an experienced practitioner (20%).
3: A practical performance that is stylistically appropriate and includes improvised solos (50%).
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1) demonstrate an understanding of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic practices of jazz; | 1,2,3 |
| 2) demonstrate an ability to perform and improvise fluently in a jazz style; | 3 |
| 3) demonstrate an understanding of stylistic features and compositional practices in a range of jazz. | 1,2,3 |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Practical exam | Performance | 50% |
| Coursework | Portfolio of exercises and compositions | 30% |
| Coursework | Transcription and analysis | 20% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Gioia T. (1997) The history of jazz. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Levine M. (1995) The jazz theory book. Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co.
Bailey D. (1983) Improvisation - its nature and practice in music. New York: Prentice-Hall
Berliner P. (1994) Thinking in jazz: The art of improvisation. London: University Of Chicago Press
Burns, K. (2001) JAZZ - 8 DVD set; Florentine Films in assoc. with the BBC
Coker J. (1987) Improvising jazz. New York: Simon and Schuster
Levine M. (1989) The jazz piano book. Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co.
Ligon B. (2001) Jazz theory resources (Book 1). Houston: Houston Publishing, Inc.
Resources for developing jazz repertoire:
Aebersold, J. (1997-2005) Play-Along CDs - Volumes 1 - 113. New Albany: Jamey Aebersold Jazz
Dunlap L. (Ed) (2000) The new real book - Volumes 1, 2 & 3. Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co.