BA (Hons) Contemporary World Jazz

Duration:
Three Years Full-time / Part-time also available.

Entry Requirements:
GCSE Level: English and Maths at Grade C or above GCE/VCE A Level: 160 tariff points including A Level Music or A Level Music Technology National Diploma: 160 tariff points in a relevant subject plus Grade 6 Associated Board or equivalent.

Other:
Applications from mature students without these qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All applicants will be expected to take an audition and aural perception test. Please note, additional costs may be incurred for the purchase of necessary equipment, resources or trips.

Approval:
University of Plymouth.

Apply Notes:
For full time study apply online at www.ucas.com

• UCAS Institution: TRURO
• UCAS Institution Code: T85
• UCAS Course Code: W341
• UCAS Course Title: BA/CWJazz

Introduction:
Music is a flourishing area of study at Truro College. There is a vibrant, colourful environment with students encouraged to be fluent in many areas of music, to mix, experiment and create to move music forward. Students are encouraged to work in their own bands in addition to the course playing. There are several closely related University of Plymouth courses at undergraduate level. Course Structure: This Degree aims to develop accomplished musicians with a 'rounded' background, focusing on the study of Jazz performance techniques and styles. The course features a study of music idioms from around the world and incorporates cultural characteristic musical elements performed through contemporary Jazz techniques. The first two stages of the course stress musicianship in terms of aural transcription, harmony and arrangement and Jazz techniques both in composition and performance. There is an exploration of contemporary Jazz movements on a world stage. In the first year, modules are designed to provide any remedial preparation as may be necessary while preparing students for more specialised studies in years two and three. Credit Values are divided equally between Improvisers, Aural Perception, World Jazz and Composition modules. Included in Composition studies are harmony and arranging while the transcription of Jazz solos is treated as an element of Aural Training. In year two there begins an exploration of contemporary music on a world stage with harmonic understanding enhanced through the use of the Keyboard. The final year of the Jazz Degree allows students to focus their studies on either Performance or Composition. Alternatively, they can prepare a Dissertation which can take a historical or analytical approach to specific Jazz styles.

Modules:
The modules reflect the emphasis on Music Skills and Jazz Technique enabling the student to take part in individual year three work.

Year 1:
• Performance Practice
• Improvisation Techniques
• Contemporary Musicianship
• Composition and Arrangement
• Contextual Understanding and Listening 1
• Jazz and Contemporary World Music in Context

Year 2:
• Performance Styles
• Improvisation Styles
• Keyboard Harmony and Theory
• Contemporary Composition
• Contextual Understanding and Listening 2
• Contemporary World Jazz and the Individual

Year 3:
• Performance Project
• Composition Project
• Contextual Investigation + Elective credits on each of these modules

The second and third stages see a gradual stress on the fusion of Contemporary Jazz and World Music through Jazz techniques.

Methods of Study:
A mixture of practical and theory work.

Assessment: A mixture of practical and theory exams and assignment work.

Features:
• Visiting guest lecturers from all areas of the music spectrum
• Tutors with practical experience of the music arena
• New, purpose-built Performing Arts building
• Focus on performance in a wide variety of venues both national and international
• Free one hour instrumental tuition in addition to course hours

Every year the Truro College Jazz Orchestra takes part in Europe's largest
Jazz Festival: Jazz a Vienne... Vienne is an ancient Roman town, south of Lyons, Southern France. For a fortnight between the end of June and the middle of July, Vienne's 8000 + seater open amphitheatre plays host to the world's top Jazz stars (Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsallis, the Brecker Brothers, Dianne Reeves, etc., etc.) + top names from the worlds of Brazilian, Gospel, Blues and Soul music.

Extra Information:
In Jazz studies, performance skills are combined with abilities in other areas of music, such as Improvisation, Composition and Music Theory. The Jazz Musician creates new melodic ideas instantly - in real time - utilising the harmonies of a given piece. This skill requires a theoretical knowledge that goes well beyond the written notation. Also, Aural Perception skills are directly applied to the transaction of jazz solos and arrangements. In short, Jazz Improvisors need to be able to play, compose, transcribe and arrange their own music. As the world shrinks around us due to elements like satellite televisual programming and the internet etc, this course recognises that the kind of Jazz played throughout the world today is a result of hitherto untapped global and ethnic influences. Contemporary Jazz Improvisers - for example - now dip into Far Eastern harmonic structures to convey a new message. Also, the various ethnic rhythms of this modern world provide an excitingly fresh foundation for artistic expression. Combine these two elements and the result is pure musical stimulation. The student completing the course will be a modern musician able to perform in a variety of styles. They will have had the fusion of existing styles, ethnic and contemporary world music. The solo performer will be a versatile and technically advanced musician with an individual voice.

The Future:
Students can go onto postgraduate study including teacher training, also work as session musicians and professional performance. Students could also go onto Postgraduate study or Postgraduate teacher training.

Mentors: Direct peer support from lecturers and tutors.

For further information and an application form please contact: Barbara Fellows, Truro College, College Road, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 3XX Tel: + 44 (0) 1872 267122 Truro College offers free impartial advice and guidance on all courses. This service is available from our guidance officers. For terms and conditions of use see our website http://www.trurocollege.ac.uk