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.
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 16 measures.
Improvise a short exercise or piece for the pedals, using an all-toe technique.
Improvise short pieces (16–32 measures) of contrasting character.
Identify stylistic features in beginner- and intermediate-level organ compositions (texture of the accompaniment, voicing, form) that can be used in improvisation.
Given a late-beginner or early-intermediate 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). Demonstrate knowledge of different types of key actions in organs and how they affect technique.
Using knowledge gained through analysis assignments during the semester, create a beginner-level improvisation model of 16 measures.
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 |
0–73 | 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.