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Unit of study_

JAZZ1026: Jazz Piano 2

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Sydney

Consolidation and development of concepts and skills introduced in Jazz Piano 1. Applying A/B chord voicings and Drop 2 chord voicings to Jazz Standards.

Unit details and rules

Unit code JAZZ1026
Academic unit Jazz
Credit points 3
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
JAZZ1025
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

Jazz quaver articulation. Chord tones. Ability to play the diatonic cycle harmony, 12 bar blues and ii-V-I progressions

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Steve Barry, steve.barry@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment Rolling final assessment (weeks 11-13)
Rolling assessment of the tasks for each tune, Week 11-13.
60% Multiple weeks 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Small test Preliminary grading assessment
Short grading assessment of progress with the existing course materials.
10% Week 03 7 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO5 LO4 LO2
Participation Theory test
Realise chord symbols, spot errors in notated chords, indicate chord-scales
15% Week 07 30 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Online task Weekly listenings and commentary
Give a brief critical commentary about a jazz recording (100-150 words).
15% Weekly 10 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO6

Assessment summary

Perdido (Bb major)

  1. Version 1 – Chords (RH) and bass (LH)
  2. Version 2 – Melody (RH) and rootless voicings (LH)
  3. Version 3 – Drop 2 voicings (2H)
  4. Version 4 – Improvisation (RH) and rootless voicings (LH)

Diatonic cycle – colourful voicings (C major)

  1. Version 1 – Close position voicings (RH) and bass (LH)
  2. Version 1 – Drop 2 voicings (2H)

Autumn Leaves (G minor)

  1. Play the A & B voicings of each mode of the G melodic minor scale
  2. Version 1 – Chords (RH) and bass (LH)
  3. Version 2 – Melody (RH) and rootless voicings (LH)
  4. Version 3 – Drop 2 voicings (2H)

Pent Up House (G major)

  1. Version 1 – Chords (RH) and bass (LH)
  2. Version 2 – Melody (RH) and rootless voicings (LH)
  3. Version 2.1 – Improvisation (RH) and rootless voicings (LH)
  4. Version 3 [Advanced] – Melody & drop 2 voicings arrangement

Bebop/6th diminished scales (C major & G minor)

  1. Version 1: Play both scales in 4-note close position voicings, 1 octave.
  2. Version 2 [Advanced]: Play both scales in 4-note close position voicings, 1 octave, drop 2.

Summertime (A minor)

  1. Version 1 – Melody (RH) and chords (LH) – standard arrangement with Barry Harris b6 scale
  2. Version 2 – Melody (RH) and chords (LH) – original aria arrangement
  3. Version 3 [Advanced] – Melody voiced in drop 2 style (2H

I Love You/own choice tune (F major)

  1. Version 1 – Chords (RH) and bass (LH)
  2. Version 2 – Melody (RH) and rootless voicings (LH)

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

  • Outstanding accuracy and attention to detail in realisations of repertoire tasks.
  • Stylistic flair and creative excellence in melodic improvisation and rhythmic invention when comping.
  • Comprehensive grasp of theory concepts.
  • Sophisticated critical analyses of weekly assigned listenings demonstrating high-level research engagement and originality.
  • Skill development throughout the semester  (in performance & theory)  indicative of a highly diligent and interrogative work ethic.

Distinction

75 - 84

  • Excellent accuracy and attention to detail in realisations of repertoire tasks.
  • Demonstrates some stylistic flair and creative engagement with melodic improvisation and rhythmic invention when comping.
  • Firm grasp of theory concepts.
  • Detailed critical analyses of weekly assigned listenings indicative of good research initiative.
  • Skill development throughout the semester (in performance & theory)  indicative of a diligent and inquisitive work ethic.

Credit

65 - 74

  • Fair accuracy and attention to detail in realisations of repertoire tasks, some inconsistencies in tempo or technical control.
  • Basic comprehension of stylistic considerations, and some attempt at engagement with melodic improvisation and comping.
  • Good grasp of theory concepts, though with some insecurity in this area.
  • Satisfactory analyses of weekly assigned listenings, some evidence of original thought.
  • Skill development throughout the semester (in performance & theory)  indicative of adequate preparation, suggests some lack of diligence in practice of materials.

Pass

50 - 64

  • Faltering realisations of repertoire tasks, a number of inconsistencies in tempo or technical control.
  • Limited comprehension of stylistic considerations, and little attempt at melodic improvisation or rhythmic invention when ‘comping.
  • Basic grasp of theory concepts, a number of gaps in knowledge.
  • Bare minimum analysis of weekly assigned listenings, some deficiencies in academic rigor.
  • Skill development throughout the semester (in performance & theory)  indicative of inadequate preparation.

Fail

0 - 49

  • Unsatisfactory realisations of repertoire tasks, many inconsistencies in tempo or technical control.
  • Minimal or no comprehension of stylistic considerations, and no attempt at melodic improvisation or rhythmic invention when ‘comping.
  • Inadequate grasp of theory concepts.
  • Lacking or incomplete analysis of weekly assigned listenings.
  • Skill development throughout the semester (in performance & theory)  indicative of poor preparation.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 • Revision of and non-graded test on existing knowledge of the basic 7th chords of the major scale • Introduction to chord extensions & colourful voicings in “A” and “B” form – i.e. Dm9 (ii minor), G13 (V dominant) and C6/9 (I tonic major) • ‘Perdido’ in Bb major Block teaching (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 02 • Introduction to melodic improvisation on Perdido • Introduction to Drop 2 voicings Block teaching (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 03 • Revision of Perdido and preliminary grading assessment (10%) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 04 • Introduction to minor key harmony and minor ii-V-I’s • ‘Autumn Leaves’ in G minor Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 05 • Case study – Bill Evans Trio version of Autumn Leaves from Portrait in Jazz (1960) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 06 • ‘Pent Up House’ in G major • Revisiting melodic improvisation; introduction to the bebop scale Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 07 • Revision of Perdido, Autumn Leaves and Pent Up House • Theory test (15%) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 08 • ‘Summertime’ in A minor • Introduction to voicings from 6th diminished scale Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 09 • Introduction to lead sheets • Creating an arrangement of ‘I Love You’ or an own choice tune from lead sheet; incorporating introductions & endings Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 10 Special projects week (no class) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 11 In class rolling assessment period (week 11-13) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 12 In class rolling assessment period (week 11-13) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 13 In class rolling assessment period (week 11-13) Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned. The Dean, Head of School or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. identify and construct (from printed score or from memory) the extended/colourful 7th chords derived from the modes of the major scale, including: maj6/9, min9, dominant 9 and 13 and some altered dominant chords, min9(b5) or half-diminished 9, and diminished 7
  • LO2. name and compare some basic alternative voicings and parent scales that may be used when harmonising or re-harmonising: 1. tonic major and minor chords (I chords); 2. minor and half-diminished (or min7(b5) chords (ii7 chords); and 3. dominant 7 chords (V7 chords)
  • LO3. name and describe some uses for the chords derived harmonic minor scale
  • LO4. describe and apply drop 2 voicing technique to ii-V-I and diatonic cycle chord progressions
  • LO5. illustrate a basic understanding of voice-leading between consecutive chord structures and in harmonic progressions
  • LO6. describe in basic detail some aspects of recorded jazz music, and identify a small number of relevant techniques employed by the performing musicians that may be in turn used to inform one's own practice and arrangements
  • LO7. utilise the resources presented in this course to inform further private practice and study of (or improvisation or composition with) jazz piano and jazz harmony.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Course formatting & fonts unified and updated. Additional resources were added, and some scores were edited based on student feedback.

Disclaimer

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