Fundamentals of ImprovisationLaajuus (3 ECTS)

Objective

The student will have a basic knowledge of methods to practice improvising, mostly in jazz and the blues.

On completion of the course the student is able to:
- use rhythm, harmony, timbre and melody creatively
- notice the characters of various music styles
- to express themselves in various styles
- create scales vertically and horizontally
- hear the modes, which are based to major and melodic minor scales
- develop his/her expression in pop, jazz and the blues
- play or sing improvised solos in a small band

Content

- working with transcriptions, audios, videos
- working with own influences
- technical and expressive studies with practical examples
- analysis of various solos
- theory: chords, scales, modes, chromatism

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student:
• has participated in lessons as agreed
• has done the required exercises
• has presented his/her improvisation skills to other students
• has participated in seminar discussions
• has followed guest lectures
• has participated in test at the end of the course

Further information

A test at the end of course, which will be evaluated by a teacher. The test includes both theory and playing.