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Unit outline_

JAZZ4238: Jazz Vocal 8 (Extended)

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Jazz Vocal 8 (extended) represents the eighth semester of the principal study component of the Bachelor of Music jazz studies vocal program available at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Each semester of study consists of 13 individual lessons, and 12 vocal improvisation classes with a specialist teacher, weekly Jazz Performance Workshop and 12 sectional rehearsals. This combination of study gives the student the opportunity to further develop a broad range of skills necessary for vocalists, group performance skills, and repertoire that are essential to a career in jazz performance, along with the appreciation that life-long learning is an essential aspect of being a jazz performer.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Jazz
Credit points 12
Prerequisites
? 
JAZZ4237
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Jess Green, jessica.green@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length
Creative assessment / demonstration Senior Recital
In this capstone recital performance, students lead an ensemble in performing interpretations of self-selected repertoire. Refer to the Canvas site for detailed task requirements and marking guidelines.
50% Formal exam period 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small continuous assessment AI Allowed Principal study tutor grade
Students are assessed on their demonstrated effort and progression towards technical and creative goals agreed on with the Principal Study tutor.
20% Ongoing Ongoing throughout smester
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Participation AI Allowed 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 Ongoing throughout semester
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO5
Small test Module 5 Test
Demonstration of skills developed throughout the Improvisation class module, in line with expectations outlined on Canvas by the tutor.
5% Week 03 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small test Module 6 Test
Demonstration of skills developed throughout the Improvisation class module, in line with expectations outlined on Canvas by the tutor.
5% Week 06 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small test Module 7 Test
Demonstration of skills developed throughout the Improvisation class module, in line with expectations outlined on Canvas by the tutor.
5% Week 09 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Small test Module 8 Test
Demonstration of skills developed throughout the Improvisation class module, in line with expectations outlined on Canvas by the tutor.
5% Week 13 50 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Assignment AI Allowed Written reflective summary
Short essay reviewing learning and skill development throughout semester across the Jazz Vocal unit of study (Principal Study, Improvisation Tutorials, Jazz Performance Workshop).
5% Week 13
Due date: 30 May 2025 at 23:59
300 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5
AI allowed = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

  • Principal study teacher grade: The principal study teacher grade will include reference to a mutually discussed semester plan. The objective of this semester plan is to provide the student with goals that will enable them to continue to improve vocal, technical and musical fluency. It will include vocal technical work as required, exercises that further enhance skills in interpretation and improvisation, and will aid in preparing the student for the Senior Recital at the conclusion of Semester 8.
  • Senior Recital: Refer to the Jazz Handbook for detailed information. Supplementary material will be added to the Jazz Vocal 1-8 Canvas site as required.
  • Improvisation in-class assessments and class mark: Assessment details will be added to the Jazz Vocal Improvisation Canvas site by your teacher.

Assessment criteria

Result

name

Mark

Range

                                           Description

High Distinction

85-100

Demonstrates a high level of initiative and engagement of both preparatory tasks and performance tasks: High level of performance and originality consistent throughout the program. High level presentation of lead sheets

Distinction

75-84

Demonstrates initiative and engagement of both preparatory tasks and performance tasks: Some high level performance, continuity and originality. Good level presentation of lead sheets.

Credit

65-74

Demonstrates initiative and engagement of both preparatory tasks and performance tasks: Mid-level performance and originality. Adequate level of presentation of lead sheets.

Pass

50-64

Adequate attention to tasks. Missed due dates, with adequate submissions. Adequate performance and originality. Adequate level of presentation of lead sheets

Fail

0-49

Poor attention to tasks. Missed due dates and poor submissions. Inadequate performance standard and originality. Inadequate level of presentation of lead sheets.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator. 

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions. 

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit. 

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply. 

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site

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.

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
Weekly Jazz Vocal Principal Study One-to-one tuition (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Improvisation Tutorial Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
Jazz Performance Workshop Workshop (1 hr) LO3 LO5

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 12 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 240-300 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. Investigate and design advanced-level instrument-specific technical principles and skills.
  • LO2. Organise and construct advanced-level rhythmic, harmonic and melodic material and jazz theory principles, including the effective design of self-led investigations.
  • LO3. Select and create highly effective applications of instrumental and improvisational skills to jazz repertoire at an the fourth year level, including in the leadership and delivery of the Senior Recital.
  • LO4. Demonstrate advanced-level aural learning and comprehension skills.
  • LO5. Evaluate learning and development through reflective writing in order to formulate new and personally-significant methods of inquiry and practice. Support the learning of peers through constructive feedback.

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.

Ongoing use of the new Modules format introduced in 2024, based on positive feedback from students. Further emphasis on students self-developed creative and technical materials.

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.