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Introduction to Improvisation (MUSI20234)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 6.25On Campus (Southbank)
To learn more, visit 2023 Course and subject delivery.
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Overview
Availability | Semester 1 Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
This subject introduces instrumentalists and singers to the practice of musical improvisation. Through practical activities in workshop-style lectures, students explore spontaneous music-making in solo and group contexts through demonstrations, deep listening exercises and challenging performance tasks.
Tailored to suit their instrument or voice, these activities guide students in acquiring tools and strategies for improvising across diverse musical styles, enhancing their regular performance and teaching practices, strengthening their aural connection to an instrument or voice, and encouraging creative courage through spontaneity.
This subject is designed for music students who have traditionally focused on performing notated music. No prior experience in improvisation is required.
This subject is not available for enrolment to students in the Bachelor of Music Jazz and Improvisation Major.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- collaborate with and respond creatively to other musicians in group performance contexts;
- perform solo improvisations using appropriate motivic, melodic, harmonic and/or rhythmic tools;
- interpret and use graphic notation in solo and group performance contexts;
- reflect on experiences as an improviser, listener, and spontaneous collaborator.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- communicate constructively with colleagues;
- respond openly and imaginatively to new ideas;
- apply critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to unfamiliar challenges;
- give and receive constructive feedback; engage in rigorous and respectful debate;
- show interest in and respect for others.
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
Students must meet one of the following requisite options:
Option 1
Admission into the D-MUSIC Diploma in Music
OR
Option 2
Admission into one of the following: Composition major in the B-MUS Bachelor of Music, Interactive Composition major in the B-MUS Bachelor of Music, Musicology & Ethnomusicology major in the B-MUS Bachelor of Music, Music Studies major in the B-MUS Bachelor of Music, Performance major in the B-MUS Bachelor of Music, Performance (ANAM) major in the B-MUS Bachelor of Music
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
One 3-minute performance of group improvisation
| Early in the teaching period | 20% |
One 3-minute performance of solo improvisation
| During the teaching period | 20% |
One 5-minute performance interpreting graphic notation in either solo or group improvisation
| End of the teaching period | 30% |
200-word Written folio of in-class exercises and strategies, and 400-word self-reflection
| During the assessment period | 30% |
Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 80% of all scheduled classes and performances as directed. | Throughout the teaching period | N/A |
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Andrea Meagher Mode of delivery On Campus (Southbank) Contact hours 18 hours, comprising one 90-minute practical class per week. Total time commitment 85 hours Teaching period 27 February 2023 to 28 May 2023 Last self-enrol date 10 March 2023 Census date 31 March 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2023 Assessment period ends 23 June 2023 - Semester 2
Coordinator Andrea Meagher Mode of delivery On Campus (Southbank) Contact hours 18 hours, comprising one 90-minute practical class per week. Total time commitment 85 hours Teaching period 24 July 2023 to 22 October 2023 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2023 Census date 31 August 2023 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2023 Assessment period ends 17 November 2023
Last updated: 10 November 2023
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Diploma in Music Course Bachelor of Music Informal specialisation Music Electives - Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 10 November 2023