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Unit outline_

JAZZ1621: Jazz Music Skills 1

Semester 1, 2024 [Normal day] - Sydney

Harmony and Arranging Module: This unit deals with the study of the harmony of standard jazz repertoire both from a theoretical angle and through the process of arranging for small jazz combos. Students will learn to understand and use basic harmonic rules and standard harmonic devices, diatonic progression and chord patterns. Keyboard Module: Puts theoretical concepts covered in both the Harmony and Arranging and Aural Modules into practice using keyboard instruments. Aural Module: Offers a systematic study of all simple intervals up to and including one octave, triadic harmony, four note chords in closed position and voice leading within these concepts, focusing on common harmonic movements that occur in the jazz repertoire.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Jazz
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
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
Lecturer(s) Steve Barry, steve.barry@sydney.edu.au
Andrew Robertson, andrew.robertson@sydney.edu.au
Matthew McMahon, matthew.mcmahon@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s) Andrew Scott, andrew.scott@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 2 April 2024
Type Description Weight Due Length
Small continuous assessment HA Module Weekly homework assignments
5 tasks throughout the Semester, each 2% (totalling 10%)
5% Multiple weeks n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO5 LO4 LO3 LO2
Assignment H&A Module: End of semester assignment
Full chorus arrangement for 8 piece jazz ensemble.
15% STUVAC
Due date: 31 May 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small continuous assessment Early Feedback Task - Canvas quiz
Mandatory Canvas Quiz based on ear training #earlyfeedbacktask
0% Week 03
Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:59
5 - 10mins
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Creative assessment / demonstration ET Module: Auralia Test 1
Ear training test in Auralia software
3.75% Week 03
Due date: 08 Mar 2024 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment H&A Module: Week 5 Larger Homework Task
16 bar arrangement for 4 Horns demonstrating closed voicing skills.
5% Week 06
Due date: 27 Mar 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Small test Class test 1 - Ear Training
Written test
12.5% Week 08
Due date: 19 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Creative assessment / demonstration ET Module: Auralia Test 2
Ear training test in Auralia software
3.75% Week 09
Due date: 26 Apr 2024 at 23:59
1 hour
Outcomes assessed: LO6
Assignment H&A Module: Larger arranging assignment
Full chorus arrangement demonstrating closed voicing skills & orchestration
10% Week 09
Due date: 24 Apr 2024 at 23:59
n/a
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Participation group assignment Con Sings! - SPW
Rehearsals for Con Sings! during SPW. Compulsory activity.
5% Week 10 Various rehearsals for Con Sings!
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO4 LO6
Small test Harmony Module - End of Semester Test
Written test. Summary of Semester work
15% Week 13
Due date: 22 May 2024 at 23:59
2hours
Outcomes assessed: LO2 LO5 LO4 LO3
Small test Ear Training - End of Semester Test
Written test - summary of Semester work
25% Week 13
Due date: 24 May 2024 at 23:59
2 hours
Outcomes assessed: LO6
group assignment = group assignment ?

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

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

  • Assessment criteria for assessments in this unit of study can be found on Canvas in the appropriate folder.
  • Assessed work will be marked according to these criteria.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

Absent fail

0 - 49

When you haven’t completed all assessment tasks or met the attendance requirements.

For more information see guide to grades.

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.

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

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

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 2023 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 2023. 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 Ear Training Class Lecture (2 hr) LO6
Jazz Harmony Class Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

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. demonstrate knowledge of fundamental jazz harmonic principles through improvisation in a coherent way
  • LO2. analyse jazz arrangements from a range of styles and eras
  • LO3. write arrangements for small group jazz band in a number of styles
  • LO4. become fluent in diatonic jazz harmony and begin arranging techniques
  • LO5. complete a smaller-sized arrangement for small group jazz band to be performed in class
  • LO6. increase your aural skills and use this understanding to deepen your ability to listen, understand and perform in jazz and improvised contexts.

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.

More information and resources are to be found on Canvas

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.