Search Modules > MUA3212 > Module Overview

Learning Outcomes

TopUpon the completion of the course students will
1.   Have developed a personal improvisation vocabulary, a collection of musical patterns and development techniques unique to each musician.
2.   Understand and be able to discuss the role of improvisation in the music of different cultures
3.   Understand and be able to discuss the history of improvisation in Western music.
4.   Be able to improvise in a coherent and appropriate manner.

Teaching Modes

TopThe course is in a lecture-tutorial format. Lectures will include discussion of materials, demonstrations of techniques, guest performers and exercise preparation. Tutorials will be performance-oriented. Students are expected to bring their instruments to all tutorials and be prepared to perform assigned exercises and pieces.

Schedule

TopUnit 1 – Parameters of Music
Tutorial – Parametric Exercises
Unit 2 – Improvisation in Medieval Music
Tutorial – Organa
Unit 3 – Baroque Ornamentation and Embellishment
Tutorial – Melodic Improvisation
Unit 4 – Cadenzas
Tutorial – Harmonic Improvisation
Unit 5– Blues
Tutorial – Call and Response
Unit 6 – World The Music of Asia, Africa and India
Tutorials – Rhythmic Improvisation Exercises
Unit 7 – Aleatoric Music
Tutorial - Solo and Group Improvisations

Synopsis

TopThis course will cover the techniques of improvisation found in European Art Music as well as the music of other cultures. Lectures will present techniques and examples of melodic embellishment, motivic development, rhythmic improvisation, harmonic-based improvisation and contemporary forms such as aleatoric music and free improvisation. In the tutorials, students will play exercises in a variety of textures that will help them to develop an improvisation vocabulary on their instruments. Examinations will be improvised performances in traditional and contemporary styles.

Syllabus

Top

Policies

Academic Integrity: NUS publications, guidelines, and consequences govern all matters pertaining to academic integrity. Please see the following documents:

NUS Honour Code: https://team.nus.edu.sg/registrar/ info/info/nus_honour_code.pdf
Statute 12: Discipline with Respect to Students
Regulation No.12A: Scheduled Offences, Deposits
Regulation No.12B: Disciplinary Proceedings before the Board of Discipline Regulation No.12C: Disciplinary Proceedings before the Disciplinary Appeals Board, Deposits
Appendix D : Scheduled Disciplinary Offences : Penalty Guidelines
Plagiarism NUS: http://emodule.nus.edu.sg/plagiarism/
Plagiarism Warning: http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/graduate/plagiarismwarning.htm
Board of Discipline Summary Case Record: https://stuweb.nus.edu.sg/registrar/info/discipline2006.htm

Homework: All work will be completed using computer software. Late work will not be accepted without an official excuse. Those with an official excuse must turn in their work or make up an in class assignment/pop quiz by the next class after the excused absence. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements with the instructor. Please note that NUS policies and procedures do not allow students to make up final exams.

Absences: Students are expected to attend all classes. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain lecture notes and assignments for any missed classes and to arrange for any makeup exams. Students with excessive absences, excused or not, are unlikely to pass the class.

Classroom Disruptions: Classroom disruptions will not be tolerated. These include, but are not limited to, entering or exiting class during class time without an emergency, eating in class, cell phones, speaking disrespectfully toward others, using profanity, and using languages other than English.

Final Grading: You will be assigned a final grade based on your performance relative to the other students in the module.

If you have any questions or concerns related to this course, please address them directly with the instructor. Please feel free to stop by during office hours or to make an appointment to discuss any aspect of the course.

Assessment

TopMeans of Assessment
Daily Grades 25%
Performance Assignments 50%
Final Project 25%

Daily Grades: will include class participation, performance during tutorials, preparation and written assignments.
Performance Assignments: Exercises in improvisation in a variety of styles.
Final Project: Students prepare and perform one group and one solo improvisation.