This course extends students' theoretical knowledge of jazz through advanced analysis of a broad range of jazz repertory and creative practices. Students will further develop their skills in the analysis, composition, and arranging of jazz styles, skills which are necessary for pursuing both jazz performance and/or academic research in jazz. Topics covered include (but are not limited to): chord-scale relationships, arranging concepts for jazz and popular instruments in both small and large ensembles, functional analysis of diatonic, chromatic, and modal harmonies.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- demonstrate an understanding of more complex elements of jazz, including pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, and form;
- apply more complex theoretical knowledge and analytical techniques to jazz repertoire drawing on advanced terminology and nomenclature;
- demonstrate advanced understanding of the theoretical foundations of jazz composition and improvisation through either performance or prose exposition;
- apply advanced knowledge of instruments common to jazz idioms in creative adaptation, re-harmonisation, and arranging; and
- research jazz topics drawing on notated scores, recorded performances, and scholarly sources.
Additional Course Costs
Students will require manuscript paper and pens for this course. Students should make copies of all submitted work and may incur small copying costs.
Recommended Resources
Students should bring manuscript paper, writing paper, pens, pencils to all classes or as directed by the lecturer. It is strongly recommended that students make use of music
notation software where appropriate, such as Sibelius (version 5 and later), Finale, Dorico, or Musescore. Sibelius 7.5 is installed on many computers around campus.
Students may wish to refer to the following textbooks and resources that inform the topics covered throughout the course. Most of these can be found in the Art & Music Library
or through ANU E- Resources.
Jazz Theory Texts
- Levine, Mark. The Jazz Theory Book. Petaluma: Sher Music, 1995.
- Rawlins, Robert and Bahha, Nor Eddine. Jazzology: the encyclopedia of jazz theory for all musicians, Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard, 2005.
- The Real Book. Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation, 2016
- Lindsay, Gary. Jazz Arranging Techniques: from Quartet to Big Band, Miami, Florida. : Staff Art Publishing, 2005. https://library.anu.edu.au/record=b2244189
Staff Feedback
Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:
- written comments
- verbal comments
- feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc
Student Feedback
ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.
Class Schedule
Week/Session | Summary of Activities | Assessment |
---|---|---|
1 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Unit Overview; Revisiting harmonic structures, progressions/scale/chord relationships History: The Swing Era | |
2 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Revisiting bebop melodic writing/improvising; Reharmonisation Techniques History: Jazz Vocalists | |
3 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Revisiting jazz harmony from a keyboard perspective - typical voicings. History: Bebop: Charlie Parker & Dizzy Gillespie | |
4 | Aural: In-class exam Theory: 2 or 3 horn voicings, riffs and countermelodies History: Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk & Dexter Gordon. | Aural: In-class exam (10%) |
5 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Rhythm Section Arranging techniques/ consideration of form History: Miles Davis | |
6 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Overview of Brass and reed sections - modal, pentatonic and quartal chordal structures History: 1950's, cool jazz and hard bop | Theory: Folio part 1 due (20%) |
7 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Voicing chords for horns - close and drop voicing techniques History: 1959; the year that changed jazz | |
8 | Aural: In-class exam Theory: Voicing chords for horns – harmonised melodies or spread voicings History: John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins | Aural: In-class exam (10%) |
9 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Score layout; Texture, Weight, Tessitura, dynamic shape, timbre History: 1960's and free jazz | History: Listening Assignment due (20%) |
10 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Blending of big band sections, textures History: Fusion - Weather Report and Chick Corea Return to Forever | |
11 | Aural: Aural drills, dictation and strategies Theory: Writing for strings History: The 80’s & 90’s & Jazz in the New Millennium | |
12 | Aural: In-class exam Theory: Playing outside as an extension of reharmonisation/substitution History: In-class listening exam | Aural: In-class exam (10%) Theory: Folio part 2 due (20%) History: In-class listening exam (10%) |
Assessment Summary
Assessment task | Value | Due Date | Return of assessment | Learning Outcomes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aural: In-Class Exam No.1 | 10 % | 17/08/2021 | 31/08/2021 | 1 & 3 |
Theory: Folio Part 1 | 20 % | 05/09/2021 | 19/09/2021 | 1 ,2 ,3, 4 & 5 |
History: Listening Assignment | 10 % | 28/09/2021 | 12/10/2021 | 1 & 3 |
Aural: In-Class Exam No. 2 | 20 % | 10/10/2021 | 31/10/2021 | 1, 2, 3, & 4 |
Aural: In-Class Exam No. 3 | 10 % | 25/10/2021 | 08/11/2021 | 1 & 3 |
History: In-Class Listening Exam | 10 % | 29/10/2021 | 12/11/2021 | 1, 3, 4 & 5 |
Theory: Folio Part 2 | 20 % | 31/10/2021 | 14/11/2021 | 1, 2, 3 & 4 |
* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details
Policies
ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:
- Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
- Special Assessment Consideration Policy and General Information
- Student Surveys and Evaluations
- Deferred Examinations
- Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
Assessment Requirements
The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Integrity . In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Wattle’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.
Moderation of Assessment
Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.
Assessment Task 1
Learning Outcomes: 1 & 3
Aural: In-Class Exam No.1
- In-class (on zoom) real-time assessment. Aural drills based on melodic, harmonic and rhythmic exercises practiced throughout the semester.
- You will need to download an answer sheet from Wattle and then submit the sheet with answers on Wattle immediately after the exam.
Assessment Task 2
Learning Outcomes: 1 ,2 ,3, 4 & 5
Theory: Folio Part 1
- Write an arrangement of a jazz standard for rhythm section and 3 front line instruments, featuring some reharmonisation, and utilising some extended/altered chord structures.
- Incorporate some use of countermelody and accompanying riffs to complement the existing melody.
- Fully notate the piano chords with appropriate voicings and comping rhythms.
- Include 8 bars of fully notated bass line and drum feel.
- The remainder of these two parts can use slash notation and chord symbols (for bass), as well as rests, specific ensemble accents where relevant.
- More details will be provided in class and on Wattle.
Assessment Task 3
Learning Outcomes: 1 & 3
History: Listening Assignment
- Choose four Australian jazz albums and write a 500-word critical report on each album. The four albums chosen are not to be by the same artist and each album should individually represent a particular style and time period.
- Your report should include some biographical information on the artist and musicians involved and can include any relevant stories, anecdotes or facts associated with the recording or band/artist.
- Analyse and discuss stylistic elements of the recording and identify stylistic and musical influences from significant jazz artists that may have impacted the direction of the album.
References and bibliographic entries should be formatted in Chicago Style.
For information on referencing and academic skills visit - https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html
Assessment Task 4
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3, & 4
Aural: In-Class Exam No. 2
- In-class (on zoom) real-time assessment. Aural drills based on melodic, harmonic and rhythmic exercises practiced throughout the semester.
- You will need to download an answer sheet from Wattle and then submit the sheet with answers on Wattle immediately after the exam.
Assessment Task 5
Learning Outcomes: 1 & 3
Aural: In-Class Exam No. 3
- In-class (on zoom) real-time assessment. Aural drills based on melodic, harmonic and rhythmic exercises practiced throughout the semester.
- You will need to download an answer sheet from Wattle and then submit the sheet with answers on Wattle immediately after the exam.
Assessment Task 6
Learning Outcomes: 1, 3, 4 & 5
History: In-Class Listening Exam
- In-class (on zoom) real-time assessment. You will demonstrate understanding of important stylistic conventions and historical figures through short-form written answers in response to written questions and accompanying recorded excerpts.
- You will need to download an answer sheet from Wattle and then submit the sheet with answers on Wattle immediately after the exam.
Assessment Task 7
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3 & 4
Theory: Folio Part 2
- Harmonise a given lead sheet melody section, using a combination of unison, octaves, 4 way close, drop 2, drop 4, and 5 way spread voicings.
- Score the result for alto sax, tenor sax, baritone sax, trumpet and trombone.
- More detail will be provided in-class and on Wattle.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically, committing to honest and responsible scholarly practice and upholding these values with respect and fairness.
The ANU commits to assisting all members of our community to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle and Academic Misconduct Rule, uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with.
The Academic Misconduct Rule is in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Very minor breaches of the academic integrity principle may result in a reduction of marks of up to 10% of the total marks available for the assessment. The ANU offers a number of online and in person services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. Visit the Academic Skills website for more information about academic integrity, your responsibilities and for assistance with your assignments, writing skills and study.
Online Submission
You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.
Hardcopy Submission
For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.
Late Submission
Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:
- Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
- Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.
Referencing Requirements
Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.
Returning Assignments
Assessed work will be graded following the scheduled class time. Feedback will be given via Wattle and in-person, where appropriate.
Extensions and Penalties
Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.
Resubmission of Assignments
Student work will be returned through Turnitin with instructor comments. Students who wish to receive additional feedback on assignments should make an appointment to see
the instructor.
Privacy Notice
The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.
Distribution of grades policy
Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.
Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.
Support for students
The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
- ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
- ANU Diversity and inclusion for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
- ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
- ANU Academic Skills and Learning Centre supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
- ANU Counselling Centre promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
- ANUSA supports and represents undergraduate and ANU College students
- PARSA supports and represents postgraduate and research students
Convener
![]() |
|
|||
Research Interests |
Brendan Clarke
![]() |
|
Instructor
![]() |
|
|||
Research Interests |
Paul Cutlan
![]() |
|