This course will enable students to apply their theoretical and practical skills in the creative domain of improvisation and composition. There will be the opportunity to develop a range of new skills that can be applied to their work as a music professional. Students will have the opportunity to become confident in the use of a range of unfamiliar and challenging skills.  The course is intended for students who have developed core skills in music literacy and performance. There will be an emphasis on application of skills acquired.

Students will be equipped with core skills and a deeper understanding of the areas of improvisation and composition. They will gain an understanding of how these skills may be integrated into the daily work of a music professional in their roles as performers and teachers. 

Attendance required at 85% of classes for successful completion
1. Participation in class improvisation workshops (30%)
2. Improvisation exam (20%)
3. Submission of a composition portfolio of two works demonstrating understanding of at least two distinct compositional mediums/styles with audio recording or class performance (50%)

The course will be delivered through a series of lectures and workshops exploring the theoretical underpinning of improvisation and compositions and a range of applied activities and projects. An emphasis will be placed on the practical application of skills within a diverse range of musical genres.

Prerequisite:

As this course has an applied focus students enrolling in this course will be required to have successfully completed the following courses or be able to demonstrate an equivalent level of expertise.

Four Courses from any of the following practical based areas of study:

• Performance
• Composition
• Instrumental Studies
• Practical Workshop
• Ensemble Performance

And: Two courses in Music Theory / Aural