Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and perform simple musical improvisation in a chosen area.
It applies to individuals who work as musicians and who are developing improvisation skills to perform in a range of musical genres and traditions.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Apply music knowledge to improvisation | 1.1 Research musical elements suitable for improvisation 1.2 Develop aural recognition skills to practise simple improvisation in chosen area 1.3 Seek feedback on own skill development from relevant people 1.4 Listen critically to live and recorded improvised music as a way of exploring different improvisation techniques |
2. Practise improvisation | 2.1 Develop improvisation techniques in chosen area 2.2 Improvise around musical elements suited to chosen area, fitting in with backing accompaniment 2.3 Memorise repertoire as required 2.4 Seek feedback on own skill development from relevant personnel, and refine techniques |
3. Perform simple solo improvisation | 3.1 Rehearse with backing ensemble, ensuring that own improvisation fits within the structure of the piece 3.2 Respond accurately to starting cues 3.3 Sustain musical impetus in the solo improvisation through dynamic use of musical elements 3.4 Listen carefully to other performers, responding musically to their work and adjusting own performance appropriately 3.5 Observe ensemble customs and protocols, including work health and safety (WHS) principles, to avoid injury during performance 3.6 Provide a clear cue to the ensemble to finish the solo section 3.7 Seek feedback on own performance from relevant personnel and refine improvisation techniques |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
identify and use a range of methods to practise and develop improvisation techniques
perform simple solo improvisation in chosen area with members of an ensemble, including:
improvising with notes and ideas that fit in with the structure of the piece
giving and following cues
adjusting own playing in response to the playing of others
observing customs, protocols and safety requirements
use feedback from others to improve own techniques.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
explain features of chosen pieces and their musical forms and conventions for improvisation, including:
instrumental combinations in selected area of specialisation
phrasing and shaping music appropriately
techniques for responding to work of others
outline issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of developing improvisation performances and possible strategies to overcome them
outline work health and safety (WHS) principles as they apply to using musical instruments and performing in a range of environments.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in creative arts industry environments. The assessment environment must include access to:
relevant instruments, equipment and information sources
opportunities to perform improvisation as part of an ensemble.
Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational educational and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 1.2, 2.4, 3.7 | Identifies and uses appropriate learning strategies to improve improvisation skills |
Reading | 1.1 | Recognises and interprets textual information from various sources to determine requirements |
Oral Communication | 1.2-1.4, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.7 | Uses industry specific language to discuss musical elements and own skill development Applies appropriate strategies to listen for musical constructs and apply these in improvisational opportunities |
Navigate the world of work | 3.1, 3.5 | Recognises and meets expectations associated with own role Follows work health and safety principles |
Interact with others | 1.3, 2.4, 3.1-3.4, 3.6, 3.7 | Collaborates with others using appropriate communication practices |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1, 2.3, 2.4, 3.7 | Plans, organises and completes tasks required to develop own skills Takes responsibility for decisions and sequencing of tasks to achieve effective and efficient outcomes Evaluates feedback to identify opportunities for improvement |
Sectors
Performing arts – music performance