A Cappella Harmony Singing and Its Effects on Aural Perception in Jazz Students’ Improvisation Skills

Abstract

This project investigates the aural and musicianship skills of students enrolled in a Bachelor of Jazz Studies Course, with the ultimate goal of improving their improvisation skills. At the core of the project is the idea that students consolidate their theoretical knowledge and link it with their aural skills when they use their voices in an ensemble, rather than relying on their instrumental skills. Participating students were surveyed to gain insight into their thoughts about the effect that the musicianship skills gained during class had on their improvisation skills. Data has been gathered regarding methods of ear training in current use in various jazz schools in Australia as well as surveying current theories of the importance of ear training in jazz education and the extant modes of delivery. Throughout the project repertoire was arranged especially for each group in accordance with the desired learning outcomes. The final result of the project is a syllabus for conducting the course, which is known as A Cappella Ear Training, including excerpts from the author’s arrangements and instructions for delivering the course content.