An Introduction To Improvisation

This subject is not offered in 2012.

96 Hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Improvisation Techniques is a performance based subject that introduces the practice of musical improvisation for those musicians who have had little or no experience in the art of real time composition. Content includes, creativity, play, deep listening, harmonic gravity, gesture, risk taking, genre specific practices, limitation, 'the right note', personal voice, solo and group improvisation, role play, attachment, judgement, the 'politics of sound' conceptual music and experimentation.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• understand the practice of musical improvisation as real time composition utilising tools such as melody, harmony, rhythm, intensity, texture, intent, emotion, gesture, drama and extended techniques;
• understand the creation of music from the perspective of ‘play’ where the individual is challenged to create musical expression within the complexity of a group environment;
• demonstrate some personal approaches to performing improvised music;
• demonstrate a greater awareness of music as an aural art form acutely linked to site-specific factors such as acoustics and audience;
• demonstrate a developing sense of musical imagination and musical intuition.

Continuous: Preparation, development and commitment, as demonstrated by class performance, with incremental advancement of the material covered in classes (50%).
Formal: 15-minute practical examination consisting of an ensemble recorded performance at the end of semester (50%).
Late submission
* Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day.
* Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.
Hurdle requirements: Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician;
• demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;
• work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments;
• understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.