course-details-portlet

MUSV1018

Ear Training and Improvisation

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Portfolio assessment

About

About the course

Course content

The course builds on MUSV1019 and MUSV1017 with seminars in ear training and improvisation. Skills in these various disciplines are advanced from earlier training.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV1018 has extended knowledge of

  • Principles of melody, rhythm, harmony, and form.
  • Various forms of vocal/instrumental improvisation, rhythmic and harmonic structures in the blues and jazz tradition, and ear-based learning methods as a basis for improvisation regardless of genre.

Skills:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV1018

  • can perceive and reproduce melodies, rhythms, and form and harmonic progressions from different musical styles and traditions at a higher level than what is required in MUSV1017
  • Can practice ear-based methods for learning and vocal/instrumental improvisation alone and in collaboration with others over a given harmonic progression. Building on experiences from MUSV1019.

Learning methods and activities

Group instruction. In order to be able to take the examination, compulsory participation in all teaching (minimum 80%) is required in addition to the submission and presentation of up to 8 compulsory assignments.

Compulsory assignments

  • Oral presentation in aural training
  • Compulsory delivery of exercises
  • Satisfactory participation in aural training
  • Satisfactory participation in improvisation

Further on evaluation

The course concludes with a portfolio in ear training. The portfolio can contain up to 8 written exercises. These are the exercises that have been worked on throughout the semester.

If the course is not passed, the student must retake the whole assessment. If the candidate retakes the exam there is no need to retake the compulsory assignments.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Music Performance Studies (BMUSP)
Musicology (BMUSV)
Musicology (ÅMUSV)

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
MUSV1016 3.5 sp Autumn 2013
MUSP4153 7.5 sp Autumn 2025
This course has academic overlap with the courses in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Musicology
  • Music Performance Studies

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Music

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Portfolio assessment
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

Portfolio assessment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Portfolio assessment
Weighting 100/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment