Focus area - Jazz

Playing jazz and jazz fusion requires a high level of ensemble playing through the development of listening and reading skills, communication, feel, and detailed preparation for live performances in a variety of venues and settings. Students will establish a repertoire that includes standards from the 30s, 40s and 50s while incorporating contemporary jazz fusion trends. Join AICM and let some of Australia’s best musicians take you on a journey of exciting and innovative music making.

ELECTIVES

Jazz/Classical Fusion
Students will create arrangements and compositions that demonstrates their understanding of the key stylistic developments of jazz and how ‘classical’ or ‘art’ music has incorporated those elements of jazz.

Jazz Improvisation
From a strong jazz theory foundation, students will be able to transcribe melodies, chords, chord progressions and solos as well as solo using modes, arpeggios, extensions, guide tones and altered scales.

Conducting
Students gain the historical, theoretical, analytical knowledge and practical elements of conducting techniques, with a strong focus on actual conducting assessments with various size ensembles.

Improvisation & Ensemble Handling
Students will cover the areas that are essential for an effective ensemble and improvisation, including: what makes a great ensemble, concepts and techniques, performance and research.