Course Description
An exploration of improvisation via the organ. Students will create several improvisations based on simple models which do not require previous instruction or experience. No prior improvisation and/or organ experience required. Students should be capable of playing scales and chords fluently. Prerequisite: Admission to a piano, early keyboard, or organ studio or permission of the instructor; Note: Basic proficiency on a keyboard instrument is required (i.e. ability to play 2-octave scales and arpeggios fluently, knowledge of and ability to play individual major, individual minor and seventh chords); May be repeated once for credit.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Play the organ at the beginner-level; play simple textures with hands and feet; demonstrate knowledge of the basics of organ technique.
Improvise simple melodies and simple accompaniments of 1-3 voices to an existing melody of a minimum of 8 measures.
Improvise a short exercise or piece for the pedals, using an all-toe technique.
Improvise short pieces (8-16 measures) of contrasting character.
Identify stylistic features in beginner-level organ compositions (texture of the accompaniment, voicing, form) that can be used in improvisation.
Given a beginner-level composition, describe how to improvise a similarly textured work using a different melody.
Demonstrate knowledge of the organ at a level appropriate to an undergraduate beginner (general concepts of organ construction that are universal to all instruments such as the origin of the sound, the four families of stops, and common sound-color combinations).
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Improvisation Assignments | 70% |
Attendance and Participation | 15% |
Class Preparation | 15% |
Grading Scale:
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
94–100 | A |
90–93 | A– |
87–89 | B+ |
84–86 | B |
80–83 | B– |
77–79 | C+ |
74-76 | C |
70–73 | C– |
68–69 | D+ |
66–67 | D |
65 | D– |
0–64 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Attendance and participation are graded components of this class. Students are expected to attend all classes. Excused absences are given in accordance with UNCG’s Religious Observance policy or at the discretion of the instructor.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
Students are required to purchase equipment or accessories for creating and recording improvisations. (Schiffman Music Library and the Digital Media Center in Jackson Library can lend recording equipment.) Additional course materials will be available on library reserve or as open-education resources on Canvas.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.