- Year of study: Year 1, over one semester (autumn).
- Final assessment: Portfolio
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Practice-Oriented Music Analysis Programme
- Language of instruction: Norwegian or English.
Course description
During the course, the students will acquire insights into music theory in jazz and practical skills in jazz theory/aural skills and arranging. The focus is on various improvisation methods, ensemble formats, compositions and arrangements in the genre.
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, the student is expected to
- Be able to create a mental picture of sound and use their ear actively when working with jazz music
- Possess knowledge of the application of various musical principles in improvised material
- Possess knowledge of musical structures and composition techniques and be able to analyse and transcribe different types of jazz and improvised music
- Possess knowledge of and be able to apply arranging and instrumentation techniques for various types of jazz/rock/pop ensembles
Overview
The course contents will mainly be drawn from the historical jazz repertoire. The course addresses both aural and written music.
The aural/theory element of the course will cover the transcription and analysis of material for various types of ensembles, improvisation with focus on the chord scale approach and how to create own solos over standard jazz progressions.
With regard to composition techniques, analysis and arranging, the focus will be on selected examples from both the traditional and newer jazz repertoire.
Structure
The course is taught partly on a weekly basis and partly in the form of one-to-one guidance. The students will also receive supervision for their arrangements. The students are expected to undertake a significant amount of self-study between the lessons.
Course requirements
The student should complete at least one practical exercise in theoretical-aural skills.
Deadline: The course requirements must have been met and approved by the course coordinator by 15 December. All course requirements must be met in order for the student to be given a final assessment.
Final assessment
Portfolio, consisting of:
1. at least one analysis of material the students have studied during the course along with one arrangement for a small jazz ensemble.
2. at least one solo transcription from the historical jazz improvisation with written analysis symbols. Duration is decided by the course instructor.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale.
Reassessment
The same rules apply to reassessments as to ordinary assessments.