Unit outline_

JAZZ1622: Jazz Music Skills 2

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Harmony and Arranging Module: Deals with more advanced aspects of jazz music theory and arranging, such as voicing techniques for two to four horns, harmonisation of passing tones, clusters and other techniques. Students may be organised into ensemble-like groups and may be expected to bring their instruments to perform the works presented. Keyboard module: Puts theoretical concepts covered in both the Harmony and Arranging and Aural Modules into practice using keyboard instruments. Aural Module: Consolidates and expands upon concepts and skills introduced in Jazz Music Skills 1, and introduces compound intervals, open voicings, the addition of upper extensions to all chord types, and increasingly complex harmonic structures.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Jazz
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
JAZZ1621
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Contribution Harmony Module - Weekly Homework Assignments
Multiple weekly homework tasks
5% Multiple weeks 2 hours AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Out-of-class quiz Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task - Canvas Quiz
General arranging skills #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 18 Aug 2025 at 23:59
10-15mins AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
In-class quiz Ear Training Module - Auralia class test 1
Ear training test delivered in Auralia software in class
3.75% Week 05
Due date: 05 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 15 Sep 2025
1 hour AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO10
Creative work Harmony Module - Mid Semester assignment
Assignment - 8 piece jazz band arrangement exploring jazz/latin music
10% Week 06
Due date: 14 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 24 Sep 2025
10 hours AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
In-person written or creative task Ear Training Module - written class test
Transcribing test in class
7.5% Week 07
Due date: 19 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 29 Sep 2025
1 hour AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO3
In-class quiz Ear Training Module - Auralia class test 2
Aural test delivered via Auralia software in class
3.75% Week 08
Due date: 26 Sep 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 06 Oct 2025
1.5 hours AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO10
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement Con Sings Attendance
Participation in Con Sings in SPW
5% Week 10
Due date: 17 Oct 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 27 Oct 2025
4hrs Not applicable
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO11 LO12
Creative work Harmony Module - End of semester assignment
Assignment - 8 piece jazz band arrangement between 3-5 mins in duration
15% Week 11
Due date: 26 Oct 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 05 Nov 2025
20 hours AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Ear Training Module - End of semester test
Summation of all Semester work
15% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 Nov 2025
2 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO9 LO10
Practical skill Practice Methodologies Total
Total of 6 x 5% summaries by Practice Methodologies guest lecturers
30% Week 13
Due date: 09 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 19 Nov 2025
Across semester AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO12
Attendance - accreditation or faculty requirement H&A final assignment recordings
Attendance/participation mark for recording of final H&A assignments
5% Week 13
Due date: 07 Nov 2025 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 Nov 2025
2hrs Not applicable
Outcomes assessed: LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
early feedback 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

  • End of Semester Class Test – Ear training module: Ear Training: will consist of a written test where students will be asked to identify and transcribe exercises performed on the piano by the examiner. 
  • Class tests (Ear Training): class test will consist of a written test in which the student will be asked to identify and transcribe exercises performed on the piano by the examiner
  • Weekly Homework Assignments (Harmony): Homework Assignments, due in various weeks, different topics based on content covered in class. They will be simple and short activities focusing on the learnings of that week’s class.
  • Arranging Assignment (Harmony): A larger assignment due Week 5. The assignment is designed to build skills toward the final assignment.
  • End of Semester assignment (Harmony): Extended small jazz band (8 piece) arrangement of 3-5 minutes duration with full score and parts. The writing of a successful arrangement demonstrates the student’s knowledge of jazz harmony and arranging in the most immediate and direct way. This arrangement will demonstrate an overall grasp of both fundamentals and more advanced concepts in jazz harmony, and exhibit facility with the content covered in class.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The following assessment criteria are used for performance work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

Distinction

75 - 84

Excellent technical, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential. 

Credit

65 - 74

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area.

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme.

The following assessment criteria are used for written work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Demonstrates high level of initiative in research and reading; sophisticated critical analysis of evidence; high level engagement with theoretical issues, innovative use of reading/research material and impressive command of underlying debates and assumptions; properly documented and written with style, originality and precision.

Distinction

75 - 84

Demonstrates initiative in research and wide, appropriate reading; complex understanding of question and ability to critically review material in relation to underlying assumptions and values; analyses material in relation to empirical and theoretical contexts; properly documented; clear, well-developed structure and argument with some signs of literary style.

Credit

65 - 74

Evidence of broader understanding than pass level; offers synthesis with some critical evaluation of material; coherent argument using a range of relevant evidence; some evidence of independent thought, good referencing. A high credit (70-74) shows some evidence of ability to problematise and think conceptually.

Pass

50 - 64

Written work meets basic requirements in terms of reading/research; relevant material; tendency to descriptive summary rather than critical argument; makes a reasonable attempt to avoid paraphrasing; reasonably coherent structure; often has weaknesses in particular areas, especially in terms of narrow or underdeveloped treatment of question; acceptable documentation.

Fail

0 - 49

Work may fail for any or all of the following reasons: Unacceptable paraphrasing; irrelevance of content; poor spelling; poor presentation; grammar or structure so sloppy it cannot be understood; failure to demonstrate understanding of content; insufficient or overlong word length.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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:

As per Sydney University guidelines

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Harmony Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9 LO10
Jazz Piano Module - Revision of the 5 different types of 7th chords • Introduction to colourful voicings in “A” and “B” forms • “A” and “B” voicings for half-diminished and altered dominant chords • Re-examination of Green Dolphin Street in Eb major, using colourful voicings Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 02 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Recorda-Me in A minor Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 03 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Revision of Green Dolphin Street and Recorda-Me • Preliminary grading assessment (10%) Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 04 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Long cycles of ii-V’s in All The Things You Are Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 05 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Revisiting four-part harmonization & colourful voicings • Peace in Bb major Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 06 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module The Night Has A Thousand Eyes in G major Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 07 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Revision of Recorda-Me, Green Dolphin Street, All The Things You Are, Peace and The Night Has A Thousand Eyes • Chord theory test (15%) Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 08 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Modal harmony & intervallic voicings • Visby first chord Emaj7(#11) Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 09 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 11 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 12 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12
Week 13 Harmony & Arranging Module Ear Training Module Lecture (4 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8
Piano Module Lecture (1 hr) LO9 LO10 LO11 LO12

Attendance and class requirements

  • Lecture recording: Lectures for this unit of study will be recorded and made available to students via the Learning Management System (LMS) 
  • 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.

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. recognise intervals within an octave
  • LO2. identify all chord qualities including 9th chords with alterations
  • LO3. transcribe short melodies and 8 bar chord progressions which make use of chromaticism
  • LO4. demonstrate knowledge of fundamental jazz harmonic principles through improvisation in a coherent way
  • LO5. analyse jazz arrangements from a range of styles and eras
  • LO6. write arrangements for small group jazz bands in a number of styles
  • LO7. be fluent in diatonic jazz harmony and small group arranging techniques
  • LO8. complete a smaller-sized arrangement for a small group jazz band to be performed in class.
  • LO9. 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
  • LO10. name and describe some uses for the chords derived from the melodic minor scale
  • LO11. 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
  • LO12. 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.

Changes to number of assessments and weighting plus re-write of sequential learning program.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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