(hons) creative music performance

Programmeand Modules

BA (Hons) Creative Music Performance Pursuing Excellence in JTC Guitar

Trimesters 1 & 2

Technical Development30 CREDITS

Rhythm Studies20 CREDITS

Improvisation30 CREDITS

Practice Planning10 CREDITS

Artist Studies30 CREDITS

Trimester 5 Trimester 6

Developing Your Own Style30 CREDITS

Solo Performance 40 CREDITS

Applied Techniques30 CREDITS

Professional Practice Portfolio 20 CREDITS

Trimesters 3 & 4

Advanced Techniques30 CREDITS

Artist Analysis30 CREDITS

Advanced Improvisation30 CREDITS

Composition and Arrangement30 CREDITS

in association with


1. Technical Development TRIMESTERS 1 & 2This module will consolidate your existing technique and create the foundation for the advanced technical and improvisational concepts that will be covered as the course progresses. It does this by providing a solid theoretical and practical understanding of the diatonic major scale system, including its relative minor and modal perspectives. Along with the Improvisation unit, this course is fully integrated to provide a structured and progressive course of study in guitar-based musicianship.

From the construction of chord and scales using the CAGED system, to the embedded triads, arpeggios, pentatonic and blues scales, the emphasis throughout the course is on developing harmonic knowledge and intervallic recognition, alongside the building of key technical skills. A highly detailed course for developing a range of contemporary techniques, this unit is presented in full with unique colour coded diagrams, notation and tablature.

2. Improvisation TRIMESTERS 1 & 2The Improvisation module takes the concepts covered in Technical Development and applies them directly to improvisation. The aim of linking these two modules is to further consolidate your skills and provide real-world practical experience.

COURSEINFORMATIONModules

This module develops a range of concepts and approaches to improvisation, including the identification of chord tones and extensions, sequencing and transposing melodies, major and minor pentatonic improvisation, major and minor blues scale improvisation, superimposing triads and arpeggios and much more. In addition to containing unique colour-coded diagrams, notation and tablature, the lessons will feature backing tracks that provide a context for the concepts studied. To illustrate key points in the lessons, there will be video contributions from key members of the Jam Track Central artist roster.

3. Artist Studies TRIMESTERS 1 & 2In this module, you set the direction of your studies by choosing important guitar players to study in detail as negotiated with your tutor. The choice is yours, but you will be expected to nail several tunes by your chosen artists to the highest standards. This will include generating an authentic tone, fully committing to the performance with accurate execution and showing solid timing and groove. In addition to learning a representative portion of their repertoire, you will be asked to provide a critical analysis of your chosen artists that demonstrates a contextual understanding of the historical, social and cultural factors that shaped their unique sound and style.

4. Rhythm Studies TRIMESTERS 1 & 2Developing consistency and control of timing is the single most important aspect of your playing if you want to be a truly excellent musician. In this module you will work with full chords and partial chords to firm up your riffs, tighten up your band sound and make your leads more exciting and dynamic. A wide variety of genres will be covered to inspire you and make you a more versatile musician.

5. Practice Planning TRIMESTERS 1 & 2In this module you will use time management, goal-setting and reflective thinking to form clear and effective practice methodologies in the development of your area of specialism. In addition to the construction of a coherent practice strategy, you will be asked to provide critical analysis of your own abilities as compared to industry professionals and how the concepts you have studied will be applied in the wider musical context of your performances and other musical endeavours.

6. Advanced Techniques TRIMESTERS 3 & 4 The Advanced Techniques module further develops the concepts covered in Technical Development using the CAGED/EDCAG/octave-system to visualise chord-scale-arpeggio relationships. Harmonic minor, melodic minor and symmetrical scales are also studied along with chord substitution, extended harmony, superimposition, drop system chord inversions, turnarounds and jazz line development.

This module also looks at the modern rock style developed from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. This specialised and highly technical style is presented in a series of lessons focussing on subjects such as 3-notes-per-string scales, legato, tapping, alternate and economy/sweep picking styles and with reference to players such as Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, George Lynch, Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Tony Macalpine, Paul Gilbert, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Reb Beach and Greg Howe.

7. Advanced Improvisation TRIMESTERS 3 & 4The Advanced Improvisation module builds on your work in Trimesters 1 & 2 and continues with the study of improvisational skills and methodologies that are ultimately designed to enable creative musical expression in your specialist area. The skills and vocabulary learned in these lectures will be applied and contextualised within performance scenarios at the next level of study. You will be encouraged to develop your own learning methodologies to enhance your technical abilities, and to apply these skills to a broader musical context and develop an individual approach to your area of specialism.

8. Artist Analysis TRIMESTERS 3 & 4The Artist Analysis module builds on your work in Artist Studies in Trimesters 1 & 2 and continues to examine the techniques, methodologies and repertoire of iconic artists. The concepts examined in this module are intended to support you in the development of your own individual approach and should ideally be applied to a broader musical context. In addition to learning a representative portion of their repertoire, you will be asked to provide critical analysis of yourchosen artists that demonstrates a contextual understanding of the historical, social and cultural factors that shaped their unique sound and style. You will extend your critical analysis through the inclusion of musical notation, commenting on how the unique voice of the artist is evident within the transcription.

9. Composition and Arrangement TRIMESTERS 3 & 4The Composition and Arrangement module provides you with the opportunity to study and apply methodologies for composing and arranging original music. The outcomes of the module will see you producing original compositions to a specified brief. The concepts examined will provide an integrated understanding of the broader musical context and will support the development of your work throughout the course.

10. Developing Your Own Style TRIMESTER 5Developing Your Own Style asks students to amalgamate and apply concepts studied throughout the programme in the development of their own unique sound and style. Additionally, you will apply a critical approach to the developmental process and explain and demonstrate your individual approach to the instrument.

11. Applied Techniques TRIMESTER 5The Applied Techniques module builds on the material covered in the Technical Development and Improvisation modules and continues with the intensive study of specialist skills, techniques and methodologies. The content of the module will play a key role in the continued development of your artistic voice and in providing creative direction for the Solo Performance in Trimester 6.

12. Solo Performance TRIMESTER 6The Solo Performance module is the culmination of your time spent on the programme developing technical and musical skills. Through self-directed study predominantly (supported by tutorial and group sessions), you will be guided through the process of staging a solo performance that demonstrates the totality of your musical skills and expresses your own unique voice as an artist.

13. Professional Practice Portfolio TRIMESTER 6The Professional Practice Portfolio module requires you to research and report on the career opportunities available within your specialist area. You should also comment on how your craft can be contextualised in professional opportunities that will monetise your skills and inspire entrepreneurial practice and artistic excellence. Your Portfolio will also include a personal website and various forms of social media to support your professional work.

Course Fees

2 Year FULL TIME

4 Year PART TIME


£4,620 per year £3,620 per year

in association with

(hons) creative music performance

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