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Unit of study_
JAZZ2022: Jazz Piano 3
2027 unit information
This unit of study investigates a range of intermediate-level techniques and styles of jazz piano performance. Students explore A/B rootless voicings, the harmonisation vocabulary developed by pioneers such as Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, Modal Jazz and improvisation with pentatonic scales, and the practical application of devices drawn from classical piano repertoire. The keyboard lab setting and a tiered curriculum of skill development encourage students to develop at their own pace throughout the semester, guided by regular feedback from their tutor. Assessments include both individual components and a trio “micro-recital" with a bassist and drummer, further emphasizing the collaborative nature of jazz.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
Sydney Conservatorium of Music
| Study level | Undergraduate |
|---|---|
| Academic unit | Jazz |
| Credit points | 3 |
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Prerequisites:
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JAZZ1026 |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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Jazz quaver articulation; chord tones, to play 4-5 jazz standards reading from lead-sheets with logical voicing. Ability to play the diatonic cycle harmony, 12 bar blues and ii V I progressions |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. express a number of styles of jazz melodic line playing, including: simple rhythmic and melodic embellishment, bossa-nova style, bebop line, and jazz ballad interpretation
- LO2. devise, from a lead sheet, a range of intermediate-level, colourful 7th chords derived from the modes of the major scale and melodic minor scale
- LO3. describe and apply the various uses of the major and melodic minor scales as alternative parent scales when harmonising or re-harmonising chord symbols
- LO4. describe and apply various arrangement techniques to realising lead sheets, such as: drop 2 technique, 'So What' chords, fourths voicings, 'shell' voicings and four-part harmonisation
- LO5. illustrate a developed 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. utilize the resources presented in this course to inform further private practice and study of (or improvisation or composition with) jazz piano and jazz harmony.
Unit availability
This section lists the session, attendance modes and locations the unit is available in. There is a unit outline for each of the unit availabilities, which gives you information about the unit including assessment details and a schedule of weekly activities.
The outline is published 2 weeks before the first day of teaching. You can look at previous outlines for a guide to the details of a unit.
There are no availabilities for this year.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 1 2027
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Normal day | Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
This refers to the Mode of attendance (MoA) for the unit as it appears when you’re selecting your units in Sydney Student. Find more information about modes of attendance on our website.
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