This course examines the historical emergence of jazz style, as well as introducing and developing essential skills in jazz performance, analysis, and composition/arrangement. This includes providing students with an opportunity to perform in a jazz combo setting; to create jazz arrangements; and to observe, analyse and transcribe recorded jazz performances.  

10 x 1 hour lectures

12 x 1 hour tutorials

4 x 2 hour workshops

Over 20 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus

Jazz Style and Practice (Level 2) MUSIC2026

Jazz and Blues MUSIC2020

Jazz and Blues MUSIC4048

None.

transcription and analysis - 30%

portfolio containing 2 of 3 elements - 70%

1. Critical Essay (1500 words)

2. Arrangement/composition (minimum 3 mins)

3. Group Performance Individually Assessed

This course aims to:  

■ Provide students with an opportunity to examine the histories, repertoires and styles of jazz music

■ engender an awareness of jazz ethics and performance practice

■ develop students' ability to perform and improvise in a jazz style 

■ introduce students to jazz composition and arrangement

■ allow students to work together in a group performance setting

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Discuss and critique the primary aspects of jazz history, repertoire and style; 

■ engage in a practical jazz performance setting deploying a sense of jazz ethics; 

■ collaborate in jazz performance, including improvising modally in a jazz style according to their performance abilities, or writing for jazz ensembles; 

■ apply practical approaches to making jazz music, i.e. performance or arrangement/composition, with a clear artistic intent and stylistic sensibility. 

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.