Improvisation, Jazz and Pop Emphasis I, 30 credits

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 technical and artistic skills,
• create musical arrangements with knowledge of common terminology and notation practice,
• be able to perform a written score using the voice and to make a score from a sounding original and
• critically reflect on his/her own and others' approach to music making and music theory.

Main content of the course

Instrument, 7,5 Credits

Proficiency training in instrument/voice, focusing in technical as well as artistic skills.

Ensemble, 7,5 Credits

Group playing in different styles within the jazz/pop field.

Music Theory, 7,5 Credits

Arranging, musical analysis and ear training.

Second subject, 7,5 Credits

Based on the student's choice, can be instrument, voice or music theory.

Teaching methods

Teaching is done in the form of group education, seminars and individual education.

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

Instrument, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Examination by assessment of musical performances.

Ensemble

Ensemble, 7.5 credits (Code: A002)
Examination by assessment of musical performances during concerts.

Music Theory

Music Theory, 7.5 credits (Code: A003)
Examination by assessment of performed and written assignments.

Second subject

Second Subject, 7.5 credits (Code: A004)
Examination depending on the student's choice of subject by assessment of performed and/or written assignments.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

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 2019-01-15, ORU 2019/00107), 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).

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).

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

Comments on grades

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 Ensemble, and at least the grade Pass on the remaining sub-courses.

Specific entry requirements

60 Credits at a Bachelor Program of Fine Arts in Music and passed entrance test.

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

Additional Reading

Baker, David (1990)
Modern Concepts in Jazz Improvisation
Los Angeles:Alfred Music Publishing, ISBN/ISSN: 978-07-39-02907-7, 144 sidor

Berliner, Paul F. (1994)
Thinking in jazz: the infinite art of improvisation
Chicago: University of Chicago Press

Cooke, Mervyn & Horn, David, ed. (2002)
The Cambridge companion to jazz
Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press

Holmqvist, Mulle (2010)
The reference rhythm method
Stockholm : Mulle Holmqvist, ISBN/ISSN: 978-91-979203-0-8, 70 sidor

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 sidor

Additions and Comments on the Reading List

Teacher-produced material is also used throughout the course.

Music Theory, 7,5 Credits

Required Reading

Bengtsson, Ola (2000)
Jazzarrangering för medelstora ensembler och rytmsektion
Stockholm : Kungliga musikhögskolan, cop., 75 sidor, pp. 28-42

Bengtsson, Ola 1994-1997
Jazz harmoni: För komposition, analys och improvisation. Vol I och II
Bromma: Benola cop, pp. 1-35

Palmqvist, Bengt-Olov (2008)
The refinement of rhythm. Vol. 2.
Täby : Mediako, ISBN/ISSN: 978-91-976805-1-6, 230 sidor, pp. 113-156

Pease, Ted & Pullig, Ken (2001)
Modern jazz voicings : arranging for small and medium ensembles
Boston, Mass. : Berklee Press, ISBN/ISSN: 0-634-01443-9, 134 sidor