Curricula

Objectives

After completing the course, you are able to read written music analytically. You are able to detect the possible harmonic functions of the chords as well as the closest chord scales, and if necessary, you can extend the chords stylistically in the contexts of the blues and tonal and modal jazz music.

You understand the basic principles of harmony variation and tonal and modal improvisation, and get prepared to apply theoretical knowledge related to improvisation in practice. You get a grasp on the evolution of melody and harmony in Western music.

You understand the importance of music analysis in the interpretation, accompaniment and improvisation of music, and you gain conceptual skills for arranging and composing studies.

You are able to evaluate and critique the contents of the course constructively. You are also able to evaluate your own competence and its development.

Content

BLUES, RHYTHM CHANGES AND BEBOP

Towards the blues
- the blues and pentatonics

The Blues
- blues forms
- the effect of blues on tonal music

Rhythm Changes
- sequential dominants

Bebop
- chord tone improvisation
- melodic embellishment

MODERN JAZZ

Towards modal music
- slash chords in jazz music
- polychords
- upper structures
- triadic improvisation
- pentatonics in jazz music
- playing outside

Modal music
- diatonic and symmetrical parent scales and modes
- consonant modal harmony
- quartal harmony
- dissonant modal harmony

Learning materials and recommended literature

The study material is self-study material with learning assignments distributed during the course, as well as other material that can be accessed online. All the material used during the course is in electronic format.

Teaching methods

During the course, you participate in contact and/or distance learning and carry out individual learning assignments on a regular basis. You will also get acquainted with the electronic study material distributed during the course.

Exam dates and retake possibilities

The final examination of the course is usually held during the last contact. After this, an attempt will be made to arrange one renewal opportunity.

Student workload

Contact and/or distance learning and final examination: 45 h
Independent work (familiarization with the study material and performance of learning assignments): 90 h

Total: 135 h

Further information for students

Self-assessment and continuous feedback are used as evaluation methods. The written final examination of the course will be assessed separately and 50% of the maximum points will be required for its approved completion.

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Evaluation criteria, pass/failed

Pass (S):
You read music analytically. You demonstrate that you understand the following basic principles of the melodic–harmonic dimension of the blues, bebop and modal music:
- pentatonics, blues forms and blues influences in tonal music
- sequential dominants
- tonal improvisation
- slash chords and polychords
- upper structures and triadic improvisation
- consonant, quartal and dissonant modal harmony

In addition, you demonstrate that you are able to evaluate your own competence and its development. You acquire, process and critically evaluate the information you have acquired. You take responsibility for your own and the group's learning.