vcc.ca
MUSC 2317: Improvisation 1
Effective date
January 2020
Department
Music
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
Improvisation 1 is the first of a two-course sequence for students wishing to do more specialized work in idiomatic improvisation in jazz and other musical traditions.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
2nd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
MUSC 1403 and 1401 or permission of instructor.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze jazz harmony using standardized nomenclature
- Improvise on standard repertoire
- Play melodies with rhythmic rephrasing
- Transpose patterns and melodic vocabulary
- Apply diatonic modes to the chords of standard repertoire
- Create and develop rhythmic gestures in improvisation
- Apply selected practice concepts in day-to-day development
- Describe aspects of historical jazz styles
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
1. Practical and/or written examinations that demonstrate ability at or above the final exam and learning outcomes of this course.
2. A successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
2. A successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Practice and performance of idiomatic jazz musical language; forms, harmony, melody, rhythm, phrasing, motivic improvisation.
Classroom demonstration and practical application in ensemble playing; assigned weekly practice.
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 |
|
Assignments |
30 |
|
|
Midterm Exam |
15 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
30 |
|
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
Course topics
- Elements of idiomatic jazz musical language; forms, harmony, melody, rhythm, phrasing, motivic improvisation.
- Historical perspectives
- Development of a personal improvisation language
- Learning forms and songs
- Practice concepts
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.