ATS2687 - The ethnomusicology of improvisation - 2018

6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Undergraduate - Unit




Organisational Unit

Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Adrian McNeil


Dr Adrian McNeil

Unit guides



  • First semester 2018 (On-campus)


Twelve credit points of first-year Arts units.


This unit provides a series of structured strategies and devices for developing a systematic approach to melodic based improvisation skills. It looks at melodic elements and structures in terms of modes, intonation, microtonal inflections and flavours and draws upon systems and processes for developing improvisatory approaches from jazz, blues, Hindustani music, Arabic music, Latin music, Western art music and other musical sources. The unit involves both practical and theoretical components.



  1. identify and explain the theoretical and practical aspects of improvisation in music;
  2. discuss the formative relationship between culture, music and improvisation practices;
  3. interpret the forms and processes of improvisatory practices from a diverse range of cultural sources;
  4. implement practical skills and strategies for developing individual improvisatory approaches to music.


Within semester assessment: 100%

Workload requirements


See also Unit timetable information

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study