Jazz Improvisation develops the student's practical ability in improvisation, informed by theoretical, aural historical, cultural and stylistic concepts. It deepens the student's understanding of structure within improvised music and the historical and cultural contexts which affected its development. Emphasis is placed upon developing the student's melodic, rhythmic and aural skills as well as their ability accurately to transcribe and analyse music from sound recordings. Throughout three years of study, a variety of concepts, approaches, methodologies and skills are introduced through which student learning is progressively extended and consolidated.

This course explores improvisational concepts including inside and outside playing, melodic development, intervallic playing, use of 4^th's, pentatonics, double time playing and chromaticism. Compositions to be used include Giant Steps, Countdown and 26-2. Each tune will run for 4 weeks.

1. Interpret improvisation techniques and apply them to your instrument.
2. Memorise melodies and chord changes to all compositions listed above.
3. Personally transcribe/analyse and commit to memory first  four choruses of John Coltrane's Giant Steps solo.
4. Personally transcribe/analyse and commit to memory first chorus of John Coltrane's Countdown solo.
5. Personally transcribe/analyse and commit to memory first chorus of John Coltrane's 26-2 solo.
6. Transcribe a version of Giant Steps specific to your instrument (if not applicable first 8 choruses of Coltrane's solo).
7. Perform and analyse your own written solos.
8. Draw upon above mentioned improvisation concepts and structures so that you can create your own improvised solo.

Learning Outcomes (Drummers Only)

1. Memorise and sing melodies and state chord changes with correct harmonic movement to all compositions listed above.
2. Compose your own solos over the forms of the compositions at speed and perform them by memory.
3. Perform riding and comping simultaneously over the specific forms at crotchet = 300bpm - maintain this for ten minutes to help increase stamina.
4. Personally transcribe drum solos and part thereof in this style on weekly basis and demonstrate in class at tempo by memory. This can also include trading bars. 

Assessment consists of two components:

1. 50% Test

Assessment will consist of performing your own improvised solo over the above mentioned tunes as well as Coltrane's original solos as stated above in Learning Outcomes.
Assessment will occur on the last Tuesday of semester one during class time 2010 from 10am until 12midday.

2. 50% Class Assessments

Students will transcribe and perform set tasks - your own solos will also be assessed.
Frequency of assessments will be at the discretion of the lecturer. Aiming for weekly or bi-weekly.

A two-hour lecture per week: Tuesday 10am, Foster Room, Peter Karmel Building

MUSM2231 Jazz Aural & Improvisation 4