Context: Good – I chose a topic that will later benefit me as I can learn Jarrett’s tips on what actually makes up the art of improvisation. This project has given me a different approach to creating new pieces, such as thinking “what’s missing in my piece?” instead of “what needs improving?” because it’s a question that Jarrett asked himself, and it’s much more thought provoking so you can really change up your style.
Research: Excellent -I used a variety of different sources that I Harvard referenced, in text and on a separate page. I researched on Jarrett’s life to get a closer insight to how he started from nothing to becoming an incredible jazz/classical improviser, who even played with big names such as Miles Davis. I watched his documentary to get a more trustworthy source, as it came directly from him.
Problem Solving: Excellent – My initial idea was to do my essay on improvisation as a whole. I did complete an essay on improvisation as a whole but it was much too complex a topic that couldn’t really be done in 1500 words. I solved this problem by looking closely at a legendary improviser and taking his techniques and ideas that he’d already tried and proven to be true. This allowed me to really delve in and explore his ideas in greater amount of detail.
Planning and Production: Good – I did a lot of research using online resources, documentaries and books so I had a variety of different sources to work from. However, I did start my essay late because my initial idea was too broad. In the end, though, my piece is much more solid because I didn’t restrict myself to a specific grid of ideas that I would put in certain places.
Practical: Good – I wrote a full essay, with Harvard referencing and managed to take away a lot of good ideas to apply into my own work in the future.
Evaluation and Reflection: Excellent – The whole essay piece felt like one big evaluation and reflection of Keith Jarrett’s work and I think I did really well because I took away key points that I can apply to my own work to improve my own playing.
Presentation: Excellent – Everything is clearly set out and it doesn’t ramble on because I cover all basis from his life in the necessary order.
Self Declaration:
I confirm that the attached assessment is all my own work and does not include any work completed by anyone other than myself and sources have been appropriately referenced.