Course content

The learning objectives are achieved by instruction on the principal instrument, aural training and improvisation. In the principal instrument component, instrumental and vocal skills are developed. Individual instruction is given on the principal instrument. The ability to define musical structures, translate them from sounding expressions to notation or vise versa, is achieved through the aural training component.
In improvisation the main focus is on creative processes found in various forms of ensemble. The students are trained in techniques of improvisation based in jazz, and the students' own experience. The compulsory course in basic conducting contains percussion techniques, instruction etc.

Learning outcome

The main objective of the course is to provide the student with a fundamental introduction to aural science and improvisation, as well as a further development of her/his skills on the main instrument. The course will also provide basic skills in conducting.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, group- and individual instruction. In aural training up to 6 written assignments must be submitted. The assignments will be assessed with approved/not approved. Improvisation in groups, 1 hour a week for 12 weeks. Improvisation is assessed with approved/not approved after a practical presentation, the same apply for conducting. Furthermore, to pass the course the student must attend a minimum of 80% of the lectures. All compulsory components must be approved in order to take the final examination.

More on the assessment: The course concludes with a practical examination on the principal instrument. The duration of the practical examination is approximately 10 minutes. If the student fail to attend principal instrument lectures after the department's appointment of a principal instrument teacher, the student will lose the right to take the final examination.

Compulsory assignments

• Satisfactory participation in instuction - principal instrument
• Improvisation
• Aural training
• Conducting

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Admission to the Bachelor's programme in Musicology.

Credit reductions