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Impro­visa­tion

Course description

This course is largely based on verbal instruction and processing.

Learning objectives

On completion of this course, the student is expected to

  • be able to improvise on a selection of musical materials and in selected musical settings
  • be able to process improvisational components and the potential combinations that they create
  • be able to trust their own judgement, ideas and intuition in relation to improvisational opportunities in a given musical setting
  • be able to evaluate improvisations based on their confidence in their own skills and reflections

Overview

The course involves

  • a wide range of repertoire, from free improvisation to improvisation using predetermined/agreed rules
  • working with a wide selection of ensembles
  • cultivating and developing general principles from musical genres where improvisation is or can be an integral element
  • working on presentation

Structure

Groups with members from across instrument groups and genres.

For a summary of indicative workload and structure, please see the “Structure” section of the relevant programme of study.

The students are automatically registered for tuition/supervision and assessment in the subject in line with the progression set out in the individual education plan.

Course requirements

Attendance is mandatory. This means that more than 20 per cent non-attendance will normally cause the student to fail the course.

Final assessment

All course requirements must be met before the student can be given a final assessment.

The assessment is based on the learning objectives for the course. The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis by the course tutor in the form of an individual evaluation of the student’s level of attainment.

New assessment

If the student fails the assessment, they must retake the course.

Study component

Published: Apr 3, 2020 — Last updated: Mar 14, 2024