Module: MUS5101-20 Jazz Studies 1

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Adam Biggs

Module Tutor Contact Details: A.Biggs@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Critical Listening and Transcription. The aim of this module is to develop your understanding and skills in improvisation within the Jazz tradition, and development of improvisation through critical listening and transcription projects. You will examine the various styles of jazz and their historical contexts and the different approaches to improvisation, working towards the completion and performance of a transcription. As such, this module will also look at various approaches to listening and transcription.

2. Outline syllabus:

There are weekly workshops in which you will listen to different jazz pieces and will discuss their historical contexts with a view to identifying the stylistic approaches of the different players and their respective instruments. On a practical level, this will involve transcribing improvisations as well as other aspects of the ensemble’s performances (F.1). All workshops will include theoretical and practical aspects of listening and responding to the music being studied. Throughout the course, you will take notes of the discussions in the workshops and of your own responses to the music. These notes will form the basis of a 1000 word summary at the end of the module (S.1). You will also undertake and submit one major transcription work, which will be performed at the end of the module (S.2).

3. Teaching and learning activities

Weekly lecture/workshops plus additional visiting performer workshop/masterclasses.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: A 1500 word critical listening summary

• % Weighting: 30%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: A transcription and performance of a solo improvisation of (c.3 mins)

• % Weighting: 70%