Jazz Com­pos­i­tion

The minimum requirement for admission to the Continuing Studies Jazz Composition programme is 120 ECTS credits obtained from Music subjects.

Applicants must demonstrate considerable knowledge of Jazz Harmonics as well as skills and experience in Jazz Composition. Submitted with the application, 2–3 samples of the applicant’s work should be presented as both scores and audio material (maximum 20 minutes duration).

The programme will accept a limited number of students. Admission is based on qualifications demonstrated by the applicants.

Programme description

This is a one-year part-time study programme intended for students with a background in jazz composition and arrangement who wish to advance their artistic expression and knowledge of composition for large jazz ensembles.

This programme focuses on various stages of the composing process, leading the students through composition, arrangement, instrumentation and rehearsal to performance of their composed works.

A core aim of the programme is to foster international collaboration by bringing together a diverse group of students.

Learning objectives

Through completion of the Jazz Composition programme, it is expected that the student will acquire

• ability to use compositional techniques and work methods to develop a creative compositional expression
• practical knowledge of compositional techniques for large jazz ensembles, as well as the relevant arrangement and instrumentation techniques
• fundamental knowledge of how to lead an ensemble rehearsal of her or his own composition
• a reflexive understanding of her or his role as composer

Organisation

The programme is offered part-time over two semesters. The study is comprised of seminars with teacher-led group instruction (four seminars in total) and individual supervision. Online supervision is available.

As a general rule, class attendance at the Academy is not compulsory. However, for certain courses attendance is required. The reason for this is that student activities in the classroom are important experiences that lead to insight, understanding and skills in the subject area, which constitute valuable expertise and qualifications that may not be documented/demonstrated by a test or examination. The individual course descriptions specify whether class attendance is compulsory.

• Read about absences and leaves of absence (only in Norwegian at lovdata.no).

ECTS credits are used as the unit of measure to express the scope of the courses in the study programme. One year of part-time study is equal to 30 credits. One credit corresponds to 27–30 hours of study including classroom instruction and independent study/academic work.

The Academy uses two grading systems:

• A final mark of “passed” or “failed".
• Final mark on a scale of A to F, where E is the lowest passing mark.

Each individual course description specifies which system of marking will be used (Complementary/ non-credit courses are excepted).

Further details on assessment and examination are provided in Chapter VI of the Regulations Governing the Programmes of Study at the Norwegian Academy of Music (only in Norwegian at lovdata.no).

A final transcript of records will be issued when the student has completed the programme. All courses which are part of the study programme, as well as the marks and number of credits, will be stated on the transcript.

Education quality assurance

The Academy has a system for educational quality assurance and development that applies to all aspects of the education provided. Students play a vital role in these efforts by, among other things, participating in student evaluations of courses and programmes.