MUSC 273 Advanced Improvisation II. This course continues the concepts of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic variety learned in Improvisation I. These concepts are then applied to the stylistic considerations of rock, funk, Latin, jazz, blues, and calypso music. Greater emphasis is given to harmonic accuracy through arpeggio and scale studies. Students will examine classic solos in class, as well as transcribe and perform their own transcriptions of improvisations. Improvisation is also examined in the context of rhythmic section accompaniment.
Prerequisites: MUSC 151 with a minimum grade of 70%
Accessibility Services Notice
Students who would like an academic accommodation and who have a documented disability should contact Accessibility Services, if they have not already done so.Course Details| Total number of weeks | 15 |
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| Total Credits | |
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| Total Hours | 30 |
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Typical hours per week breakdown| Lecture | 2 |
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Improvise in a variety of styles
- Understand and implement a wide variety of improvisational strategies
- Feel more confident improvising in short, medium, and long solos
Teaching and Learning Approach
This course is taught with instrument "in hand". Students explore the various concepts discussed in class by
performing with their peers in a band-like setting. Special attention is given to projects where students record
themselves so that students can better evaluate their own grasp of a concept.Learning Resources
Required:
Instrument, Selkirk College Improvisation HandbookDetailed Course Content, Topics, and Sequence Covered
1. Exploring Melody 1. Motif, rest, and repetition. Soloing over a 1 chord vamp. Scales – Pentatonic, Blues scale. Syllabus review.
2. Exploring Melody 2. Melodic sequence and ABAC melodic form. 2-chord vamp.
3. Style Focus - Blues. Soloing over dominant chords. Guide tone lines. rd Major 3 becomes minor on IV7.
4. Style Focus – Rock/Pop 1. Minor Key Ballad. Diatonic soloing using Dorian. Starting a solo on a tension. Melodic topography.
5. Style Focus – Rock/Pop 2. Medium tempo. Using major and minor Pentatonics on major or dominant chords
6. Style Focus – Funk. Chromatic approach notes. Syncopation
7. Style Focus. Funk continued. Review of concepts before the midterm.
8. In-class performance of Midterm.
9. Rhythm Focus – Groupings of 3, 5, and 6 note cells in 4/4 time
10. Style Focus – Latin. Mambo and Samba. Chord tone exercises. Rhythmic concepts.
11. Style Focus – Latin. Afro Cuban and Bossa Nova.
12. Style Focus – World Music. Indian scales and rhythms. Ragas.
13. Style Focus – World Music. Middle Eastern scales and rhythms.
14. Review of concepts before final.
15. In-class performance of final.Assessment
| Title | Learning Outcomes | Value |
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| Homework | 1, 2, 3 | 40% |
| Midterm Project | 2, 3 | 25% |
| Final Project | 2, 3 | 25% |
| In-class Participation | 1, 2, 3 | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Grading Table
Standard Contemporary Music and Technology Program Grading Table
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 97 - 100 | A+ | 4.33 |
| 94 - 96.9 | A | 4.00 |
| 90 - 93.9 | A- | 3.67 |
| 87 - 89.9 | B+ | 3.33 |
| 83 - 86.9 | B | 3.00 |
| 80 - 82.9 | B- | 2.67 |
| 77 - 79.9 | C+ | 2.33 |
| 73 - 76.9 | C | 2.00 |
| 70 - 72.9 | C- | 1.67 |
| 60 - 69.9 | P | 1.00 |
| Less than 60% | F | 0.00 |
| Did not withdraw | DNW | 0.00 |
See the Academic Calendar for General Information including how to withdraw from course(s) and other regulations.
Disclaimer
Information contained in this course outline is correct at the time of publication. Content of the course is revised on an ongoing basis to ensure relevance to changing educational, employment and market needs. The instructor will endeavor to provide notice of changes to students as soon as possible. The instructor reserves the right to add or delete material from courses.