School of Music, Theatre and Art

Course Syllabus

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)

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student is expected to have:
- a basic knowledge of arranging in the jazz and pop field
- a developed knowledge and understanding of how musical performance correlates with the
written score
- a developed knowledge of common terminology and notation practices used in different musical circumstances
- a developed knowledge and understanding of the role of the performing musician playing different styles of jazz and pop in different ensemble settings
- a developed knowledge of repertoire in several different styles of jazz and pop
- knowledge of working in a recording studio

Skills and abilities
After completing the course, the student is expected to:
- 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
- be able to perform a given original or a piece of music written by him-/herself using common terminology and notation practice
- have the ability to, at an technical and artistic level adequate for the course, study and perform a representative repertoire from different styles within the jazz/pop field, including stylistic elements such as improvisation
- have developed his/her ability for independent artistic creation
- be able to plan and execute a studio production

Appreciation and approach
After finishing the course, the student is expected to be able to:
- describe and reflect on possibilities and limitations in a musical score in relation to how it sounds when performed
- describe and value the artistic expression in his/her own and other's musicianship
- reflect on his/her own learning and progress
- critically reflect on his/her own and others' approach to music making, both individually and in an ensemble situation

- Instrument: Proficiency training in instrument/voice, development in technical as well as artistic skills with extra attention given to musical communication, repertoire knowledge, improvisation and artistic expression
- 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

- Individual teaching
- Group teaching
- Seminars
- Self-study

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.

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

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).

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).

Improvisation, Jazz and Pop Emphasis I, 30 credits

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

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).

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

Lärarproducerat material används även i kursen.

Teacher-produced material is also used throughout the course.

See this Course Syllabus as PDF