Vocal Accompaniment 1
Module code
M-JP-VACC1
Curricular domain
Practical Classes
Credits
4
Group size
All first year students Jazz & Pop Vocals / Piano & Keys.
Number of course weeks
30
Class duration
One 65-minute lesson per week
Total contact hours
33 hours
Study load
79 hours
Form / content / level
Prerequisites
Admitted to the studies Jazz & Pop Vocals / Piano or, after audition, Composition for Film and Theatre. This subject can only be followed on-campus.
Competencies
Aims
Elementary development of the creative, practical and social skills required for playing in duo settings, specifically the combination of vocals and accompaniment, both in restricted and free improvisation forms. Additionally, students work on expanding repertoire and repertoire knowledge.
Relation to other modules
This module is related to the main subject module.
Content
THIS MODULE IS COMPULSORY FOR FIRST YEAR VOCALS STUDENTS.
Developing practical and creative skills.
Creating transparent parts.
Understanding the differences between piano and guitar accompaniment.
Creating an intro, with preparation or on the spot.
Creating an outro, with preparation or on the spot.
Creating an arrangement, with preparation or on the spot.
Rubato playing.
Tempo changes.
Development of dynamics within a piece.
Taking turns in accompanying the theme and the solo (single note).
Mastering various styles and forms, e.g., ballad, pop, up-tempo, Brazilian and Latin.
Composing a set-list.
Creating a completely original interpretation of an existing piece.
Incorporating improvisation in an arrangement.
Trading fours.
Stage presentation.
Adapting to others' mistakes
VOCAL STUDENTS:
Singing in the appropriate key.
Communication of text: pronunciation and presentation.
Lyrics interpretation: breathing, phrasing, expression and dynamics.
Microphone technique.
Accompanists:
Accompaniment structure: rhythmic, harmonic, register choices.
Playing a counterpart.
Memorizing lyrics.
Free improvisation.
Leaving space for the vocals.
Following or complementing one another.
Coming up with and developing new ideas.
Tempo changes.
Ending a song.
Development of dynamics, contrasts.
Working from the lyrics.
REPERTOIRE:
Compiling a repertoire list.
Listening to examples.
Playing in different styles.
Listening to and creating different interpretations of various pieces.
SOCIAL SKILLS:
Listening critically.
Formulating one's opinion.
Learning to collaborate with different vocalists/accompanying musicians.
Mode(s) of instruction
Group lessons with pairs of vocals students and accompanists.
Material & Tools
Materials designed by the instructors.
Student activity
n/a
Examination and assessment
Mode(s) of assessment
Assessment by the band teacher at the end of each semester.
Criteria
Vision and creativity, communication, team-play and professional skills.
Pass requirements
A minimum grade of 5.5. 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.
Examination procedure
Written assessment by the instructor.
Resit options
Module summary
This module is intended to introduce students through weekly group lessons to the creative, practical and social skills required for playing in duo settings, specifically the combination of vocals and accompaniment, both in restricted and in free improvisation forms. In addition students work on expanding their repertoire and repertoire knowledge.