The specialisation includes both components with a clear focus on individual creative artistic development and creation, and components that provide advanced knowledge and skills. These components are given equal emphasis and are integrated through a range of projects. You will participate in individual lessons, ensemble teaching, seminars, lectures and clinics/workshops with musicians, composers, producers and music-industry professionals possessing current professional expertise. Upon graduation, you will have attained a high artistic level and be well prepared as a musician for the Swedish and international music industry, with a strong understanding of both your own opportunities and those of the industry.
Principal Instrument/Voice and Ensemble
The Musical Interpretation courses Jazz and Pop I–VI (Semesters 1–6) include individual and joint principal instrument/voice lessons, which may be coordinated with current ensemble blocks/projects, but may also be profiled with other content specifically focused on the relevant instrument/voice, other genres, techniques and projects. The course Jazz and Pop VI (Semester 6) concludes with a Degree Concert.
In addition to principal instrument/voice studies, the Musical Interpretation courses Jazz and Pop I–IV (Semesters 1–4) include two ensemble blocks in each course. These ensemble blocks focus on different styles within the jazz and pop fields, such as swing and indie pop. Brazilian and Latin American musical styles, as well as genres within the world music field, are also included. In addition, one ensemble block featuring music composed by the students themselves and one studio project are included. The ensemble blocks are assessed through concerts or studio recordings. Alongside the regular teaching staff, you will also meet teachers from other cultures, particularly within the Brazilian- and Latin-oriented ensemble blocks and within the field of world music.
In addition to the ensemble blocks, the Jazz and Pop I–IV courses (Semesters 1–4) include a Semester Concert in which you independently develop the repertoire together with your fellow musicians. Musical Communication on Stage forms part of the Semester Concerts.
The course Jazz and Pop V (Semester 5) includes the project “Meet the Artist” on two occasions, in which you have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a musician/artist over several days. “Meet the Artist” concludes with a concert featuring the participating artist together with the students in the course. Students also have regular opportunities to perform with our Big Band.
Arranging/Ear Training, Composition/Arranging
The music-theoretical component of the specialisation, delivered through the Tools for Jazz and Pop I–V courses (Semesters 1–5), is closely integrated with the artistic component. Parts of it are practice-oriented, with students’ own creative work serving as the starting point. Tools for Jazz and Pop I (Semester 1) is largely based on improvisation in Ear Training and composition in Arranging. Tools for Jazz and Pop IV (Semester 4) focuses on arranging, in which you arrange music for a string quartet or for a wind or vocal ensemble with rhythm section accompaniment. Tools for Jazz and Pop V (Semester 5) focuses on composition, in which you compose your own music for use in an ensemble block.
Other Components of the Programme
Industry Knowledge: entrepreneurial approaches, goal-oriented management, organisation of the music industry, law, economics, self-employment and presentation techniques.
Music History.
Concert projects with students from other programmes.
Pulse – polyrhythm/polymeter, timing and phrasing.
Rehearsal Techniques.
IT and Music. Notation using music notation software.
Audio Engineering.
Ensemble Psychology.
Elective courses, including possible Secondary Instrument studies.
Artistic Discussion Forum together with students from the other specialisations within the programme.
Preparation for Artistic Research.
Independent Degree Project during the final semester (Semester 6). The project includes a written component and a performed musical component.
