Master of Contemporary Improvisation
Course Outline Overview
3 theoretical units : MUS 851 - 853
3 practice based units : MUS 854 - 856
2 performance units : MUS 857 - 858
A Masters degree is awarded after the successful completion of all the following 8 units, a post graduate diploma can be awarded by the successful completion of any 6 of the units and post graduate certificate requires the successful completion of any 3 of the following units.
MUS 851 Improvisation studies
This unit examines the role of improvisation in musical performance. It looks at the many ways improvisation is understood and practiced in a diverse range of performance settings. Drawing upon this wide ranging perspective the course sets out to construct an overview of the strategies, techniques and aesthetics that both define and inform improvisation. It also introduces various practical models used in a variety of music cultures to provide basic skills for improvising.
MUS 852 Musicianship
This unit develops aural awareness, theoretical understanding and practical skills in improvisation. It actively encourages students to think critically and deeply about the process of listening, understanding and creating music. The aim of the module is to cultivate an advanced analytical and conceptual foundation for developing an appreciation of the diverse and different ways music is thought about and practiced. Building on this advanced critical awareness the course will use both practical and theoretical approaches to demonstrate how this can enhance and improve performance skills.
MUS 853 World Music
This theoretical unit introduces and examines different musical practices from a diverse range of music cultures in which improvisation plays a fundamental role. It also critically considers the many ways that traditional, contemporary and fusion music is thought about, performed and transmitted around the world. The unit also analyses the sociological and commercial representation in the West of such a world. Particular emphasis is given to music and musical thought in both traditional and contemporary settings in South Asia, South-East Asia, West Asia, the Caribbean South America and Africa.
MUS 854 West African Drumming
This is a practical hands on unit in the ensemble drumming of West Africa. Participants will receive direct hands-on tuition in this drumming tradition. It will focus strongly on interlocking networks of simple support parts, that combine to create complex and sophisticated rhythms. It will also investigate the phenomenon of polyrhythm. The unit aims to equip the student to perform (to a limited degree) selected items from the drum ensemble repertoire of the traditions under investigation, as well as to understand the music forms within the social contexts that have given rise to them.
MUS 855 If it ain’t got that swing: Rhythm, Groove and Microbeats
This practical unit introduces and analyses different techniques and approaches to musical time and rhythm from a variety of music sources, such as South and North America, South and West Asia, Africa and South East Asia. It provides a systematic approach for developing command over additive and divisive rhythms, polyrhythms, microbeats, feel, movement and the language of rhythm; all of which are essential elements in constructing an understanding of “groove” and how it can be improvised upon.
MUS 856 Laying down the tune: Melodies, Modes and Microtones
This practical unit provides a series of structured strategies and devices for developing a systematic approach to melodic based improvisation skills. It looks at melody in terms of harmony, modes, intonation, microtonal inflections and flavours. In so doing it draws upon techniques and systems developed in Jazz, Blues, Hindustani music, Arabic music, Latin music and so on.
MUS 857 Ensemble Practice 1
The focus of this performance based unit is on critically developing interactive skills in eclectic improvisatory formats. The first semester of this year long unit, begins with a focus on solo improvisation. Students are then encouraged to start to work in an ensemble which will culminate in a performance and/or recording. The unit will help students develop essential improvisatory skills in analytical listening, creative collaboration and critical spontaneity in musical thought and performance, all of which are fundamental to ensemble playing.
MUS 858 Ensemble Practice 2
This performance based unit is a continuation of MIM7. In the second semester, students are required to further develop and refine ensemble performance skills and collaborative projects developed in the first semester. The focus of this unit is a high quality performance and recording project.
Proposed Schedule of Units
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
MUS 851 Improvisation Studies |
MUS 853 World Music |
MUS 854 African Drumming |
MUS 852 Musicianship |
MUS 856 Melodies, Modes and Microtones |
MUS 855 Rhythm, Grooves and Microbeats |
MUS 857 Ensemble Practice 1 |
MUS 858 Ensemble Practice 2 |
Entry to the Course
The entry requirement for the Masters, Diploma or Certificate course is the successful completion of a bachelors (pass) degree in any discipline, plus some performance experience in music.