Module Details

Module Code: MUSC7041
Title: Jazz Improvisation 1
Long Title: Jazz Improvisation and Harmony 1
NFQ Level: Intermediate
Valid From: Semester 2 - 2024/25 ( January 2025 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 2121 - Music & Performing Arts
Module Delivered in: no programmes
Module Description: This jazz improvisation module is designed to help performers incorporate improvisational harmonic tools into their vocabulary. It explores essential jazz scales (major, minor, blues, modes) and their role in creating rich harmonic landscapes. The module focuses on constructing melodies and harmonic progressions using chord tones, chromatic passing tones, and approach notes, enabling students to craft fluid, jazz-inflected lines.
Popular jazz standards will be analysed within an improvisational context, beginning with II-V-I based tunes but progressing to modal jazz and reharmonisation of well known standards. Harmonic concepts, such as altered dominants and substituted tonic chords, are introduced to give performers creative flexibility, allowing for unexpected harmonic shifts within a piece. Students will be expected to play through written works and progressions on piano and should develop a working jazz competency on the piano.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Increase knowledge of and apply jazz scales (major, minor, modes, blues) and chord structures (maj7, min7, dominant7) in their playing.
LO2 Develop original music using common jazz progressions like II-V-I and will learn to reharmonize these progressions creatively.
LO3 Develop the ability to write melodies that integrate chord tones, chromatic passing tones, and approach notes, resulting in cohesive and harmonically sophisticated lines.
LO4 Explore and utilise a variety of harmonic techniques, such as harmonic substitution and altered dominants, to introduce tension and resolution in their original works.
LO5 Connect chords smoothly through effective voice leading, enhancing the harmonic flow of their works.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
Demonstrate previous experience of jazz performance.
 
Indicative Content
Jazz Harmony and Improvisation
Practical applications of jazz harmony in terms of structure, cadences, and tonal areas.
Jazz Melody
An analysis of jazz melody writing and its relationship to the chordal structure.
Jazz Styles
An introduction to a selection of key players and composers within jazz history.
Continuous Assessment
Each individual student is monitored on a weekly basis. The mark is comprised of class participation and demonstrated practical skills.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
Continous assessment of jazz harmony and practical skills as outlined in the indicative content
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 50
Timing Sem End Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
The end-of-semester exam will test knowledge of jazz harmony and will involve composing a chord sequence, writing a melody, and recording it to be submitted.
No End of Module Formal Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Jazz harmony lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Self-directed study on coursework Every Week 6.00 6
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Jazz harmony lecture Every Week 1.00 1
Independent Learning Non Contact Self directed study on coursework Every Week 6.00 6
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 1.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mark Levine. (1996), The Jazz Theory Book, Sher Music Co., Petaluma, CA, [ISBN: 1883217040].
  • Jerry Coker, Gary Campbell, Jerry Greene. (1982), Patterns for Jazz, Columbia Pictures Publications, p.172, [ISBN: 0898987032].
  • Sam Jackson. (2022), Fundamentals of Jazz Composition, Artificer Productions, [ISBN: 0995727341].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources