vcc.ca
MUSC 3117: Creative Music Improvisation 1
Effective date
October 2020
Department
Music Degree
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
A course for advanced improvisers at an approved level of development. This course consists of in depth exploration of idiomatic repertoire and development of non-idiomatic language. Fundamental vocabularies and mental skills are exercised through solo and group performance.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
MUSC 2217 Jazz Improvisation or audition
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze the mechanisms of improvisation and how they work in complex musical systems
- Explain and demonstrate the practical applications of improvisation in diverse (all inclusive) musical traditions
- Explain musical parameters and how they work in complex systems
- Describe an historical overview of improvisational practices in global traditions, with an emphasis on the emergence of creative music in America and Europe
- Demonstrate improvisation skills and instrumental extended techniques relevant to the idiom of free forms of expression
- Analyze the compositional process through relevant musical scores and recordings
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
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 22.5
Total Hours: 22.5
Total Hours: 22.5
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, guest lectures, Performance Lab Tutorials, in-class and online recording
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
C
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
30 |
3 assignments |
|
Midterm Exam |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
|
Project |
10 |
Demonstrate a transcribed example of non-western improvisation |
|
Project |
10 |
Score Analysis |
|
Project |
10 |
Performance |
Course topics
- Introduction to musical parameters
- Review of instrumental techniques required for improvisation
- Scale/Chord relationships, alternative modes and harmonic concepts
- Overview of historical paradigm shifts in jazz history
- European and other non-American forms of improvisation
- New contemporary improvisational practices
- Conducting improvisation with sign/body language ("Conduction" or "Comprivisation")
- Graphic scores and other alternative notational strategies
- Psychology of improvised performance
- Performances and Recording
- Presentation of final project/ recording, final exam
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.