Improvisation 2 is the second of a two-course sequence for students wishing to do more specialized work in idiomatic improvisation in jazz and other musical traditions. This course builds upon Improvisation 2317 and covers the modes/arpeggios of the jazz melodic minor scale, the diminished whole step and diminished half step scales. Other topics covered include critical listening, interaction within an improvising ensemble, managing the inherent tensions within these scales/modes, especially in relation to altered dominant applications. Repertoire is drawn from jazz, jazz-fusion and Latin standards.
Prerequisites
MUSC 2317, or permission of instructor.
Missing prerequisites?
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What you will learn
- Performance of idiomatic jazz musical language; forms, harmony, melody, rhythm, phrasing, motivic improvisation.
- Diminished scale and melodic minor mode applications
- Historical perspectives
- Development of a personal improvisation language
- Learning forms and songs
- Application of jazz improvisation concepts to a variety of styles/genres
- Polyrhthms
- Interactive improvising
How to register
This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.
Course schedules
Select your program to see the available course schedules.
| CRN# | Duration | Delivery | Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41447 |
January 5, 2026 to April 24, 2026 |
Lecture | VCC Broadway Building A | See full schedule |
Online courses listed without scheduled meeting times can be completed on your own schedule.
Contact us
If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.
Additional information
1. Practical and/or written examinations that demonstrate ability at or above the final exam and learning outcomes of this course.
2. A successful interview with the Music Department Leader and one other regularized music faculty member
† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.