Outline

Overview

This foundational unit introduces students to core principles and practices of jazz performance. Students will undertake instrument-specific principal study focused on the development of required technical foundations for high-level instrumental performance. They will be introduced to and learn to identify, analyse, apply, and evaluate foundational processes for the learning and manipulation of rhythmic, harmonic, and melodic material for improvisation, and explore their application to common jazz repertoire and performance contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Jazz
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	JAZZ1006
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Hannah James, h.james@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Principal Study Technical Exam Principal Study technical examination. Detailed task requirements and marking guidelines provided on the Canvas site and in Principal Study Lessons.	20%	Formal exam period	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Module 2: Written reflective statement Individual reflection of Module 2 learning and skill development. Refer to the Canvas site for task description and marking guide.	2.5%	Formal exam period Due date: 08 Jun 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Jazz Performance Workshop Students are assessed on their contributions in Jazz Performance Workshop both as performers and in their constructive feedback to peers.	5%	Ongoing	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test	Principal Study Grade Students are assessed on their effort, participation, preparedness, progress and development as learners throughout the teaching period.	30%	Ongoing	-	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Early Feedback Task Jazz Improvisation in-class early feedback task. Module 1 Task 1. Refer to the Canvas site for detailed task requirements and marking guidelines #earlyfeedbacktask	10%	Week 03	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Module 1: Task 2 Jazz Improvisation Module 1 Task 2. Refer to the Canvas site for detailed task requirements and marking guidelines.	10%	Week 06	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Module 1: Written reflective Statement Individual reflection of Module 1 learning and skill development. Refer to the Canvas site for task description and marking guide.	2.5%	Week 06 Due date: 06 Apr 2025 at 23:59	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Module 2: Task 1 Jazz Improvisation Module 2 Task 1. Refer to the Canvas site for detailed task requirements and marking guidelines.	10%	Week 09	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Practical skill	Module 2: Task 2 Jazz Improvisation Module 2 Task 2. Refer to the Canvas site for detailed task requirements and marking guidelines.	10%	Week 13	-	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Result Name	Mark Range	Description
High Distinction	85 - 100	Work of an exceptional standard, demonstrating outstanding achievement in all learning outcomes and significant depth of understanding or creativity.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of a very high standard, demonstrating strong achievement in all learning outcomes with some evidence of originality or advanced application.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of a good standard, demonstrating solid achievement in most learning outcomes and a clear understanding of key concepts.
Pass	50 - 64	Work of an acceptable standard, meeting the minimum requirements for achievement in the learning outcomes.
Fail	0 - 49	The learning outcomes of the unit have not been met to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

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. For a missed in class performance assessment, a formal special considerations application must be submitted by the student and approved. The student will complete the task or an appropriate adjustment task in the following class. If an application is rejected or not submitted the student will receive a zero grade.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

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.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 01	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 02	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 03	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 04	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 05	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 06	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 07	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 08	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 09	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 09	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 11	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 12	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Jazz Performance Workshop	Workshop (1 hr)
Week 13	Improvisation class	Tutorial (2 hr)
Weekly	Jazz instrumental instruction	One-on-one music lesson (13 hr)

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 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Barry Harris : Scale - Key centres exercise https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLReW5Mv77OKDMfbhJlOJHfA37id6t1BoL

Hal Galper: 'What Is Practising' = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPovnp3Dly4

Williamon, Aaron (2004); Musical Excellence Strategies and techniques to enhance performance. https://sydney.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/61USYD_INST/2rsddf/cdi_globaltitleindex_catalog_204872732

Learning outcomes

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.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

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

LO1. Demonstrate understanding and application of foundational instrument-specific technical principles and skills
LO2. Demonstrate understanding and application of foundational processes for learning and manipulating rhythmic, harmonic and melodic material for improvisation
LO3. Demonstrate knowledge of major, melodic minor, diminished, diminished blues, and whole-tone scales and their associated applications
LO4. Demonstrate effective and creative application of instrumental and improvisational skills to jazz repertoire and performance contexts to an appropriate first year level.
LO5. Demonstrate the ability to effectively reflect and evaluate individual learning processes.

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
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

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

At the end-of-semester, students will be encouraged to provide highly valued feedback on their experience of the unit and its teaching. Reduced repertoire learning work load Increased emphasis on student development of Improvisation techniques and processes

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

JAZZ1601: Jazz Performance 1

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links