This course develops the student's ability to formulate their musical ideas, informed by historical and contemporary cultural and stylistic concepts and practice, and to research, analyse, discuss and critically reflect on music. It deepens the student's understanding of jazz and the historical, social and cultural contexts which affected its development. In considering past and present musical practice, the student is introduced to issues of criticism, analysis, history, interpretation and cross-cultural understanding. It also develops the student's command of specialist musical language as found in a range of musical genres, styles, forms and contexts, to develop aural skills and awareness, and writing skills. It deepens the student's understanding of the elements of notation, rhythm, melody, harmony, counterpoint and voice leading, tonalities and structure. These are studied from aural, practical and theoretical perspectives. There is a strong emphasis upon developing the student's aural awareness and skills in applying the harmonic language of jazz within a range of contexts. Aural and theoretical skills are applied to a wide range of literature and material.

A graded result based on the student's level of achievement and participation, taking into account academic effort, commitment and progress, including the student's capacity and level of expertise to undertake increasingly complex tasks.  The assessment requirements and criteria for evaluation will be defined in written guidelines handed out at the beginning of each semester.

Two Exams (40%), major assignment (30%) and weekly homework assignments (30%).

2 hours per week.

MUSM2212