Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LH Introduction to Jazz Styles: 1920 to 1980
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Music
Module Code	10 27205
Module Lead	Ben Curry
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Seminar-20 hours Guided independent study-180 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will focus on selected jazz styles which fit approximately into the sixty years between 1920 and 1980. Taking a broadly chronological approach, the module will cover a range of styles, such as: ragtime, New Orleans styled jazz, swing, bop, modal jazz, free (and avante-garde) jazz, and jazz fusion. This survey will, of course, acknowledge that these styles were influenced by historical, cultural and geographical factors, but the main focus of the module will be on the details of style. Each style will therefore be investigated primarily through musical parameters such as, harmony, melody and rhythm, as well as investigating structural tendencies, improvisational approaches and instrumental roles in the repertoire. Similarly, various influential figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor will be discussed mainly with regard to their contributions to jazz styles.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: demonstrate a critical understanding of key similarities and differences between styles of jazz music, successfully moving from particular examples to broadly accepted, but qualified, generalisations of style. engage jazz scholarship, demonstrating a critical awareness of key issues in the study of jazz. produce an arrangement showing a sophisticated understanding of jazz arranging practices. convey their ideas and the results of their research with nuance and sophistication both in writing and in practical work
Assessment	27205-01 : Essay : Coursework (40%) 27205-02 : Original Jazz Arrangement : Coursework (60%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Essay (1500 words) (40%) Original Jazz Arrangement Portfolio (2-minute arrangement for a medium-sized jazz band) (60%)
Other
Reading List