IPS151 - Master Class I

Subject Title
Master Class I

Subject Description
Students have a weekly, small group, instrument lesson with an instructor who guides them in developing technique, musicianship and style in support of core curricular goals.This course takes the theory off the page and into practice. Learning to play well is one thing, but having a chance to exercise your developing skills in a group setting is another. The most effective way to understand theory is through practical application. Analyzing the theoretical concepts applied to a song provides context and a deeper understanding of the craft. Songwriters from the 60s and 70s for example, before ever putting pencil to paper, would have played and performed 100s of songs extensively, thereby acquiring the ability to apply the concepts behind what they played more fluidly to their own songwriting/performing. The student of this course will be able to take these concepts developed in the practical application of theory and apply them to their own songwriting. Students will be placed in an ensemble where they will learn, analyze and play a song each week. The ensemble will receive sheet music for the song that they will be working on one week in advance, as well as a Youtube link and (if applicable) lyrics for the piece. Genres explored will be a cross section of American popular music.

Credit Status
Independent Songwriting Performance Certificate

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

Learn, analyze and play a song each week

Learn the nuances of playing with other musicians

Read sheet music (i.e. chord symbols, musical signs, etc)

Identify keys

Recognize chord patterns and understand basic diatonic harmony

Analyze and specify tempo, feel and groove

Identify the most common time signatures

Apply these concepts covered in this unit to their own songwriting and performing

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Respond to written, spoken, or visual messages in a manner that ensures effective communication.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Locate, select, organize, and document information using appropriate technology and information systems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.