Monash University Handbook 2011 Undergraduate - Unit

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This unit will introduce students to compositional and arranging methodologies for a variety of jazz ensembles and discrete styles. The composition component of the unit will include discussion of fundamental compositional elements such as form, structure, melody-writing, voice-leading and rhythm-section writing. Through listening tasks and score analysis of historical and contemporary pieces by seminal jazz artists, basic arranging concepts such as range, register and blend will be explored. Students will apply learnt skills to the development of their own musical works, which will be performed and subject to further analysis.

Objectives

On successful completion of this unit, the students:

1. Will have fundamental understanding of jazz composition, arranging styles and methodologies as informed by historical and contemporary practices;
2. Will have the ability to critically evaluate, analyse and discuss jazz compositions and arrangements from written score and audio media;
3. Will apply these learnt arranging and compositional concepts to formulating and developing their own musical works;

Assessment

Essay (1500 words): 33%
Folio of Compositions/arrangements (equiv. 3000 words): 67%

Contact hours

One 2-hour lecture per week

Prerequisites

ATS1345 and ATS1346