First Year Band

Module code
M-JP-FYB
Curricular domain
Practical Classes
Credits
7
Group size
Depends on band size
Number of course weeks
30
Class duration
One 130-minute lesson per week
Total contact hours
65 hours
Study load
131 hours

Form / content / level

Prerequisites
Admitted to the bachelor program.
Competencies
See Competencies Matrix.
Aims
Developing the basic skills of band playing in a repertoire of various jazz and pop music styles.
Relation to other modules
This module is related to the main subject module.
Content
Students are introduced to the following styles: free improvisation, hiphop, jazz, Latin and pop.
The following elements will be studied in relation to the styles discussed:
studying accessible pieces;
using improvisation;
learning to work with sheet music/scores;
interpreting chord progressions;
developing different rhythmic idioms, timing and tempo control;
developing musical interaction skills;
principles of musical form;
working on tonal balance within a band;
adapting to different roles, e.g., soloist or accompanist;
and developing rehearsal discipline.
The band prepares and performs one (short) concert in each style studied and spends one day in a recording studio. Simultaneous to recording their music, students are introduced to key aspects of the recording process. Every step of the process is discussed, from acoustics and microphone set-up to mixing and mastering.
The last class in every style comprises a CRP session, in which two or three bands perform the upcoming concert for each other, followed by the four rounds of feedback. This CRP session is facilitated by one of the instructors present.
Mode(s) of instruction
The band rehearses weekly. Over five six-week cycles, five instructors teach five different music styles. In addition, the band visits a recording studio for one day, where students receive instruction and gain practical experience with the recording process.
CRP session.
Material & Tools
Handed out by the instructor (where applicable).
Student activity
Generating internal publicity for the band's concerts.

Examination and assessment

Mode(s) of assessment
Assessment by the band instructors at the end of each semester.
Criteria
Students are able to recognize the styles studied and perform a number of accessible pieces in the style-appropriate way (e.g., by heart, at sight). Specific criteria are: creativity, improvisation, sheet music, sense of harmony, rhythmic idioms, timing and tempo control, musical interaction, intonation, reading skills, sound, interpretation, style awareness, form principles, tonal balance, preparation, accompaniment, active participation and attitude.
Pass requirements
The student has completed this module if being awarded a minimum grade of 5.5 at the end of the second semester. Assessment at the end of the autumn semester is formative and expressed in terms of satisfactory/unsatisfactory. It indicates a student's progress in this module. No ECs are awarded and there is no resit. Modules can only be absolved, and ECs awarded, after the end of the spring semester. The end-of-semester assessments comprise evaluations of students' performance during the lessons and public performances. The final grade, determined in a panel discussion among the relevant band instructors, constitutes the average grade of the assessments by the teachers in the different styles.
Examination procedure
Students are assessed at the end of both semesters.
Resit options
See the Education and Assessment Plan.

Module summary

This module is intended to allow students to explore and develop their skills in five styles prevalent in jazz and pop music. Apart from learning to play in band settings and improvising in the chosen styles, they also gain familiarity with relevant repertoire. Finally, students are introduced to the basics of studio recording.