Free Play New Music Improvisation Ensem

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

96 hours

An interest in musical creativity and imagination. In addition a basic technical facility on an instrument.

This subject is NOT available to Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music) - Jazz and Improvisation students.

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

This subject gives participants the opportunity for an in-depth practical study of musical improvisation techniques by introducing the participant to the marvellous and unique art of improvisation. This performance-based subject introduces the practice of musical improvisation for those musicians who have had little or no experience in the art of real time creative music-making. Open to any instrumental or voice performer, this ‘free play ensemble’ will open your journey to a new musical freedom.

On completion of this subject students should 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.

• Classroom participation (via weekly performance and discussion) - Weeks 1 to 12 (50%)
• Group Performance - Week 12 (35%)
• Review of an improvised solo utilising concepts discussed in class (500 words) - Week 12 (15%)
• 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.

LATE SUBMISSIONS:

• 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.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Upon completing this subject students should 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.