vcc.ca
MUSC 3217: Creative Music Improvisation 2
Effective date
September 2022
Department
Music Degree
School
Arts and Sciences
Description
A course for advanced improvisers of 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 emphasized.
Credits
2.0
Year of study
3rd Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
MUSC 3117 or audition.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze the mechanisms and cognitive patterns of musical perception
- Demonstrate advanced concepts of improvisation practices in Pan-African diaspora
- Interpret and use altered scales and alternate tuning systems
- Explain musical parameters and how they work in complex improvisation systems
- Describe the significant paradigm shifts in culture that fostered 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 advanced XXIst century musical scores and recordings
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
Vancouver Community College (VCC; the College) recognizes that students may have attained significant learning at a post-secondary level from experiences outside the formal post-secondary education system. The Music Department, in collaboration with the VCC Registrar’s Office, may grant credit to students who can demonstrate learning that equates to the learning outcomes and objectives of the course. Music students who request PLAR must:
1. Pass a written examination with a minimum grade of 80%, and/or
2. Complete a Performance Assessment, and
3. Complete a successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
1. Pass a written examination with a minimum grade of 80%, and/or
2. Complete a Performance Assessment, and
3. Complete a successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 15
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 25
Total Hours: 40
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 25
Total Hours: 40
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 |
50 |
5 assignments each worth 10% |
|
Midterm Exam |
15 |
|
|
Final Exam |
25 |
|
|
Project |
10 |
|
Course topics
- Investigation of musical parameters and advanced concepts of non-idiomatic improvisation Introduction to extended instrumental techniques required for improvisation Scale/Chord relationships, alternative modes and harmonic concepts Overview of historical paradigm shifts in jazz history, with a focus on post-1960s avant-garde European and other non-American forms of improvisation Investigation of new contemporary improvisational practices Conducting improvisation with sign/body language (’Conduction’ or ’Comprovisation’) Graphic scores and other alternative notational strategies Psychology of improvised performance Use of electronics/software for Performances and Recording
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.