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Unit of study_
JAZZ2023: Jazz Piano 4
2026 unit information
This unit of study investigates more advanced-level techniques and styles of jazz piano performance. Modules explore approaches to improvisatory solo piano in the style of artists such as Keith Jarrett, Cecil Taylor and Kris Davis, transcription and the development of students’ own melodic language, altered dominant chords, melodic minor harmony, 5-part harmonization, and walking bass lines. The keyboard lab setting and a tiered curriculum of skill development encourage students to progress at their own pace throughout the semester, guided by regular feedback from their tutor. Assessment includes 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 |
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| Academic unit | Jazz |
| Credit points | 3 |
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Prerequisites:
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JAZZ2022 |
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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. A knowledge of at least 6-8 jazz standards, and the ability to play these tunes from memory or from lead-sheets, producing logical and creative harmonic voice leading. Ability to play the diatonic cycle harmony, 12 bar blues, ii V I progressions, and interpret voice leading from reading chord symbols on lead sheets |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. construct a broad range of colourful 7th chords in "A" and "B" format and permutations thereof.
- LO2. appraise a range of chord extensions & alterations (and their associated major, melodic minor of diminished parent scales) that may be used when realising chord symbols.
- LO3. design an arrangement of a jazz standard for piano from a lead sheet by applying a range of techniques: chord & bass, walking bass lines, voiced melodies, melody & rootless voicings, two-handed voicings.
- LO4. illustrate a developed understanding of voice-leading between chord structures in harmonic progressions, and create rhythmic accompaniment ("comping") that demonstrates a competent and affective sense of time and groove across a range of styles.
- LO5. analyze in 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.
- LO6. experiment with 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.
| Session | MoA ? | Location | Outline ? |
|---|---|---|---|
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Semester 2 2026
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Normal day | Sydney |
Outline unavailable
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Modes of attendance (MoA)
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