vcc.ca
MUSC 1217: Improvisation
Effective date
September 2013
Department
Music
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
An introductory level course focusing on jazz, swing and Latin standards. Major scale modes and arpeggios, chord progression analysis, major and minor cadences are emphasized. As well, the harmonic minor scale and its application to altered dominant chords are explored. 2:0:0
Credits
2.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
Materials and Structures of Music 1103, Kodaly Solfege 1101 .
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Play the 7 modes of the major scale in 12 keys
- Use the 7 modes of the major scale on standard chord progressions
- Play Maj7, Min7, Dom7 and Min7b5 arpeggios in 12 keys
- Use Maj7, Min7, Dom7 and Min7b5 arpeggios on standarad chord progressions
- Apply motivic composition and developmental concepts in improvisations
- Arpeggiate over several standard chord progressions
- Compose three written assignments
- Improvise on selected standard repertoire
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 1.5-2
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 1
Total Hours: 1.5-3
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 1
Total Hours: 1.5-3
Instructional Strategies
Classroom demonstration and practical application in ensemble playing; assigned weekly practice
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C-
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Quizzes/Tests |
50 |
Weekly assessments |
|
Assignments |
25 |
Three written assignments |
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Course topics
- 7 major scale chord families
- 7 major scale modes
- Maj7, Min7, Dom7 and Min7b5 arpeggios
- Major and minor pentatonic scales
- Finger patterns on scales and arpeggios
- Analysis of standard chord progressions
- Rhythmic concepts
- Selected repertoire
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.