Course

Contemporary Instrumental Improvisation I

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1114
Credits
1.50
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
15
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Tutorial
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
This course deals with the study and application of the rhythmic and harmonic language of jazz and related contemporary music, with a focus on solo improvisation.

Through class participation, students will develop technical and aural ability through the study of the blues, modes and selected II-V-I progressions.

Students may participate on either their primary or secondary instrument. Drummers will play either a mallet instrument (vibraphone) or percussion in addition to drums.

As this course is designed for the beginner or novice jazz soloist, no previous experience in jazz improvisation is required.
Course content

Improvisation:

  • The blues, II-V-I and modes
  • Using lead sheets
  • Playing a melody
  • Applying knowledge of the harmony
  • Assimilating jazz rhythms
  • Playing by ear
  • Improvising using limited resources
  • Developing a rhythmic flow
  • Phrasing in jazz
  • Understanding the importance of a musical vocabulary - "licks" and patterns
  • Organizing an improvised solo
  • Practicing techniques
  • Studying the masters
  • Transcribing a solo
  • Interacting in the group setting
  • Comping (improvised accompaniment for guitarists and pianists)
Learning activities

Lecture/demonstration

Means of assessment

Class participation up to the mid-term: 15%

Class participation from the mid-term to the end of the course: 15%

Solo improvisation - tested at the end of the course: 30%

Written Exams (mid-term and final): 20%

Transcription projects (2 minimum): 20%

Total: 100%

Learning outcomes

The successful student will be able to:

  1. Perform a basic solo in the blues style
  2. Read basic chord changes as found in the blues using either the blues scales or proper chord/scale combinations
  3. Demonstrate understanding of the basic blues forms (12-bar, 16-bar, minor, modal)
  4. Demonstrate understanding of selected blues melodies as studied in class

 

 

Textbook materials

The instructor may assign a text book such as: Creative Jazz Improvisation by Scott Reeves (Prentice Hall), or A Guide to Jazz Improvisation by John la Porta (Berklee Press) – students will purchase the version that applies to their instrument.

Requisites

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

Registration in one of the following MUSC courses: 1150, 1250, 2350, 2450, 1152, 1252, 2352, 2452, 1153, 1253, 2353, 2453

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer details for MUSC 1114
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Winter 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
26
Currently enrolled
4
Remaining seats:
22
On waitlist
0
Building
New Westminster - North Bldg.
Room
N4100
Times:
Start Time
16:30
-
End Time
18:20