This course syllabus is discontinued or replaced by a new course syllabus.

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School of Music, Theatre and Art

Course Syllabus


Improvisation, Jazz and Pop Emphasis II, 30 Credits


Course Code: MG074G Subject Area: Field of Music
Main Field of Study: Musical Interpretation Credits: 30
    Subject Group (SCB): Music
Education Cycle: First Cycle Progression: GXX
Established: 2016-11-29 Last Approved: 2018-09-27
Valid from: Spring semester 2019 Approved by: Head of School


Aims and Objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:
- the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
- the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
- the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:
- gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
- stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
- communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course Objectives

After completing the course, the student is expected to:
- perform music with a good knowledge of repertoire in different ensemble constellations within the jazz/pop field
- perform on his/her main instrument with good technical and artistic skills
- be able to plan, record and mix a studio production
- arrange on a basic level for a medium size jazz/pop ensemble
- be able to perform a written score using the voice and to make a score from a sounding original


Main Content of the Course

- Instrument: Proficiency training in instrument/voice, focusing in technical as well as artistic skills
- Ensemble: Group playing in different styles within the jazz/pop field
- Studio project: Preparation and execution of a studio production
- Music theory: Arranging, musical analysis and ear training
- Second subject: Based on the student's choice, can be instrument, voice or music theory


Teaching Methods

- Individual teaching
- Group teaching
- Seminars

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.


Examination Methods

Instrument, 7.5 Credits. (Code: 0001)
Musical assignments given throughout the course.
Ensemble, 4 Credits. (Code: 0002)
Musical assignments given throughout the course, concert performance.
Studio Project, 3.5 Credits. (Code: 0003)
Musical and technical assignments given throughout the course.
Music Theory, 7.5 Credits. (Code: 0004)
Written, oral and musical assignments given throughout the course.
Second Subject, 7.5 Credits. (Code: 0005)
Assignments given throughout the course.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).


Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

According to regulations on grading systems for first- and second-cycle education (vice-chancellor's decision 2010-10-19, reg. no. CF 12-540/2010), one of the following grades is to be used: fail, pass, or pass with distinction. The vice-chancellor or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special reasons.

Grades used on course are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).

Instrument
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Ensemble
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Studio Project
Grades used are Fail (U) or Pass (G).
Music Theory
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).
Second Subject
Grades used are Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG).


In order to receive the final course grade Pass with distinction (VG) the student must have received the grade Pass with distinction on the sub-courses Instrument and Music Theory, and at least the grade Pass on the remaining sub-courses.


For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).


Specific entry requirements

Improvisation, Jazz and Pop Emphasis I, 30 credits

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).


Transfer of Credits for Previous Studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.


For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).


Other Provisions

The course is given in English. The student is required to have his/her own instrument (except for keyboard or percussion instruments).


Reading List and Other Teaching Materials

Required Reading

Holmqvist, Mulle  
The Reference Rhythm Method
http://www.mulleholmqvist.se/svenska/, Page 29-44
Naus, Wayne J. (1998)
Beyond functional harmony
[Rottenburg] : Advance Music, 111 pages
Palmqvist, Bengt-Olov (2008)
The refinement of rhythm en praktisk handledning med tillhörande CD-skivor för att lära dig framföra allt mer utmanande rytmer. Del 2.
Täby: Mediako, 230 pages, Page 157-220

Additional Reading
Berliner, Paul F. (1994)
Thinking in jazz: the infinite art of improvisation
Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Izhaki, Roey (2011)
Mixing audio : concepts, practices and tools
Oxford : Focal, ISBN/ISSN: 978-0-240-52222-7, 579 pages
Monson, Ingrid (1996)
Saying something: jazz improvisation and interaction
Chicago: University of Chicago Press
Stenström, Harald (2009)
Free ensemble improvisation
Göteborg : Faculty of Fine, Applied and Performing Arts, Academy of Music and Drama, University of Gothenburg, ISBN/ISSN: 978-91-977757-8-6, 370 pages
Williamon, Aaron (2004)
Musical excellence: strategies and techniques to enhance performance
Oxford : Oxford University Press, ISBN/ISSN: 0-19-852534-6, 300 pages


Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Lärarproducerat material används även i kursen.

Teacher-produced material is also used throughout the course.


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