Certificate in Music, Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music - Bass

at Humber College - Lakeshore Campus Canada

Humber’s Introduction to Commercial Jazz Music certificate is a performance-based program designed to help you assess and strengthen your skills. It solidifies your knowledge of the fundamentals of western music and develops your current performance skills through the jazz-specific areas of improvisation, repertoire development and small group ensemble performance. You will emerge from the program with a clearer understanding of the field and your own career potential within it, and as a stronger candidate for entry into postsecondary music degree and diploma programs. All courses have a particular focus on the commercial jazz field.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Recognize & identify common styles of music.
  • Describe the commercial/jazz field in terms of tradition, artists, & styles.
  • Explain the contribution of various artists to the development of particular styles & idioms.
  • Analyze the components & performance differences of recorded selections.
  • Play a repertoire of memorized materials that are considered standards in the commercial/jazz field & reflect the various styles inherent in this music.
  • Write diatonic melodies in various styles demonstrating knowledge of relevant harmonic & melodic concepts & structures of form.
  • Perform in an ensemble demonstrating basic ensemble skills such as intonation, tuning, time, feel, balance & dynamics.
  • Identify their own musical strengths & weaknesses in terms of a performance career in the commercial/jazz field.
  • Implement strategies & plans for on-going personal & professional growth & development.
  • Establish a practice of critical self-assessment & professional goal setting.

Humber’s Music Business graduate certificate program starts in May and is a condensed summer program with two semesters rolled into one (May - August), followed by a third semester work placement in the fall. This program prepares you to work in any number of areas in the music industry. It offers a unique combination of theoretical and practical knowledge of the music industry, as well as entrepreneurial, business and project management skills. You will study the structure of the Canadian music industry, artist and venue management, manufacturing, contracts, licensing and copyright, national and international distribution, marketing, promotion, and sales. You will develop foundational music business expertise including communication and interpersonal skills in order to respond to industry demands for professionals who can interact with diverse teams and audiences. Opportunities for applied work and industry connections are important components of the program.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Situate music business decisions within key historical and current contexts of the music industry.
  • Articulate the unique responsibilities of key personnel in the music industry.
  • Analyze the marketplace and trends in the music industry and use the analysis for decision making in the music business environment.
  • Develop and implement a viable and realistic business plan for a professional musician or musical company.
  • Develop and implement a music marketing plan that includes sonic branding.
  • Collaborate with a team to market an artist or new music.
  • Adhere to legal principles, government legislation and regulations, copyright and contract requirements, and professional and industry codes of conduct.
  • Assess existing and emerging market entry options for music products or services and implement the optimal market entry strategy.
  • Apply negotiation, effective interpersonal communication, and human resource management skills to establish and maintain effective working relations.
  • Prepare and interpret financial statements to inform music business decisions and/or practices.
  • Identify and access public and private sources of capital to support music business plans.

Work Placement

• Students are required to complete an industry work placement totalling 300 hours. Humber staff will assist in placing the student - however, the ultimate responsibility for finding the placement is the student's.

Humber’s Bachelor of Community Development degree program offers a unique blend of theory and practice-based experience. Students learn how to work effectively in communities, how to build capacity for change, lead projects and advocate for people who face barriers to living a full and productive life. 

The first year of the program is comprised of a common platform of courses that includes psychology, sociology, human rights, interpersonal communication, counselling and ethics. The second year of study immerses students in the field of community development including foundational courses which explore leadership and advocacy. The final two years of the program provide in-depth study of program development and evaluation, advanced issues in community development, social movements, community participatory research, and senior thesis work. Project work is linked to applied and academic fields.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Compare and contrast different historical and contemporary approaches, theory, values and methods of community work.
• Investigate psycho/social, economic and political theory underpinning community work.
• Analyze social structures that marginalize people by race, gender, class, sexual orientation and ability.
• Analyze community strengths, assets, complexities and resources from an empowerment perspective.
• Analyze root causes of community problems and select appropriate intervention strategies for change.
• Evaluate gaps in services and resources within communities applying participatory research methods that involve community members.
• Compose, present and evaluate action plans with measurable outcomes tied to empowerment evaluation methodology.
• Critique legislation and social policies and create alternative viewpoints that support communities in positive ways.
• Advocate on behalf of communities arguing for change that focuses on identified community needs.
• Devise organizational structures that support and enable community action plans to be implemented successfully.
• Formulate, implement and evaluate plans to access sustainable resources and concrete benefits for communities.
• Critique community development literature and cases to determine best practices in the field.
• Network with community members and organizations to mobilize citizens and develop allies for the change process.
• Facilitate communities through training, education and social learning to build capacity, create leaders and engage human resources.
• Apply interpersonal and group skills to plan and facilitate discussions that build collaborative relationships and community partnerships.
• Acknowledge the limits of knowledge in the field of community development through academic writing and professional practices in working with others from diverse disciplines to provide holistic services to communities.
• Practice leadership and adult education principles to contribute to approaches to community development that result in social justice.
• Deliver professional services based on ethical guidelines and empowerment centred values within the scope of practice.
• Manage own self-care and ongoing professional development plan using self-reflection and community feedback to target areas for skills, knowledge and attitude growth.

Work Placement
Students will engage in field placements (which are typically unpaid). They will complete 420 hours of field placement across two semesters or 420 hours in one summer semester with one of Humber's community partners. Students will be supported by a field placement co-ordinator.

The field placement may be in a social service, community, educational or non-profit organization where students will have an opportunity to work in the community development field. During this experience, students may have a variety of responsibilities including assessment, research-based work, working directly with community groups and individuals, as well as supporting community workers, educators and/or social science professionals.

Students have the option to gain cross-cultural knowledge and experience by completing this field placement abroad. Students can put theory into practice and directly engage with communities across the globe that will benefit from community development work.

By combining the latest recording technologies and entrepreneurial business strategies with performance, production, songwriting and composition in jazz, pop, R&B, Latin and world music, you will be well equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s music world.

Founded in 1972, the program has consistently produced many of the most successful commercial and jazz musicians in Canada and the world. With more than 350 students and a faculty of 18 full-time and 80 part-time teachers, our program is one of the largest, most diverse and highly regarded programs of its kind in the country. Long known for the strength of its professors, Humber offers you the opportunity to study privately, in classroom situations, and in several of the more than 50 ensembles directed by a who’s who of Canadian music. As Toronto is the centre of Canada’s entertainment industry, Humber attracts the top professionals in jazz, musical theatre, television, film, commercials and pop.

After two years of core music courses, you will continue with lessons on your major instrument, as well as take classes in music production and music business while also choosing from electives in arranging, composition, advanced improvisation, film scoring, music production techniques, songwriting, ethnomusicology or pedagogy.

You’ll develop musicianship and artistry by presenting your own recital, arranging and composing original material, and recording and marketing your own music.
In addition, you will take courses in music history, theory, aural training and improvisation, and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ensembles.

All students complete a major recording project/portfolio in their fourth year. The assembled portfolio, which includes a complete press kit and professional-quality recording, as well as other promotional materials, functions as your calling card for entrance into the music industry upon graduation.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Perform, compose, produce music at a professional level for entry to the competitive, global music industry.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse musical styles and contextualize themselves within contemporary music history: specifically defined as the idioms of African American musical genres, mainstream pop music, country/folk music, Latin music, music for musicals and film, art music and jazz.
• Demonstrate, through performance and composition, a technical and musical mastery of harmonic, melodic and rhythmic structures.
• Demonstrate, through performance, an extensive knowledge of contemporary musical repertoire and apply appropriate performance skills in diverse music contexts.
• Compose and arrange in a broad range of contemporary music styles.
• Prepare and present a portfolio of recorded material reflecting a broad range of styles.
• Record, edit and produce a broad range of contemporary music.
• Critically analyze and evaluate sound recordings and describe their production characteristics.
• Apply computer applications/music technology skills in composition, arranging and production.
• Demonstrate, through production and performance, organizational, project management, and implementation skills.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, communication, critical thinking, research and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of contract law, copyright law, intellectual property rights, royalties, and rules of public domain.
• Make use of entrepreneurial music business skills to engage in the competitive contemporary music industry.
• Demonstrate professional “freelance” etiquette relating to job seeking and keeping skills.
• Demonstrate an ability to research and present findings from primary and secondary sources.
• Formulate, articulate and present their own ideas about music, art and society through discussion and writings.
• Demonstrate an artistic awareness and understanding of musical aesthetics.
• Assess personal strengths, musical and business skills, knowledge, artistic vision, interests, and abilities.

Work Placement

• You will participate in a work placement designed to mirror the professional music world, which is largely characterized by contract, freelance and part-time employment. You are responsible for accumulating the equivalent of 420 hours of experience which will allow you to establish contacts and relationships with key companies and industry professionals.

Humber’s Developmental Services Worker (DSW) diploma program teaches you skills to effectively promote the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Our faculty team consists of developmental services professionals who are active in the field, and our small class sizes allow for individualized attention. Our curriculum is designed with input from developmental services field experts, ensuring courses are current and relevant.

Your studies begin by learning the stages of human development, the types of developmental disabilities and the range of available community support services for this population. Next, you’ll learn intervention techniques, person-centered planning, abnormal psychology/dual diagnosis, basic pharmacology, supporting people with autism and other complex needs, augmentative forms of communication, and effective responses to people who have been abused. Finally, you’ll develop skills in building interpersonal relationships and counselling. 

You’ll also build your expertise in our counselling labs which provide an ideal setting to develop competencies for working with individuals with limited verbal skills.

Work Placement
Our program offers a rich diversity of innovative and traditional work-integrated learning opportunities. You will complete 568 hours of experiential education with three separate community partners over the duration of the program.

After consulting with you regarding your interests and preferences, your field placement co-ordinator will refer you to specific agencies for these unpaid work experiences.

Field placements run for 14 weeks in Semester 2 of the first year. Students are required to complete 168 hours in this time. Placements are two days per week. Internships take place during fourth semester of second year. Students are required to complete 400 hours with two different employers, four days per week for 14 weeks.

Humber’s Social Service Worker diploma program prepares you to work with people in a professional helping role. Approaching your education from an individual and a community perspective, you will learn how to empower and advocate for people to meet their goals and to access needed services and programs.

Skilled, committed faculty with real-life work experience in the human services field teach with a focus on promoting equity and addressing barriers people face on the basis of race, class, disabilities, gender or sexual orientation.

You will study topics such as human behaviour and development; interpersonal, interviewing and counselling skills; family dynamics; legislation and social policy; and how to work effectively with groups and communities. You will develop the skills needed to intervene in crisis situations and to work with a broad range of people including those experiencing poverty, settlement challenges, domestic violence, mental health issues and substance abuse, post-traumatic stress, and other challenging life events.

Work Placement

• You will work with a field placement co-ordinator to align two unpaid field placements with one of our community partners.
• Your first-year field placement begins in the January semester and your second-year field placement runs throughout the academic year. Field placements are two days per week. You will have the opportunity to experience a full work week in Semesters 2, 3, and 4.

The Advertising - Art Direction Graduate Certificate is designed to arm you with a comprehensive understanding of advertising art direction, design and copywriting combined with marketing, branding and strategy development. This combination of skills enables students to create effective communication and advertising solutions across a wide range of media – both emerging and traditional

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Conduct secondary research to derive insights for proposed advertising and marketing solutions.
  • Create a campaign that influences the attitudes and behaviours of a described target audience evidenced by identified metrics of campaign success.
  • Analyze the social, cultural, political, economic, psychological, technological, and historical influences on current practices and emerging trends in art direction to design creative advertising campaigns.
  • Complete all work in a professional, ethical and timely manner.
  • Express concepts, ideas, information, brand stories and research insights presented through verbal and visual techniques appropriate to the audience.
  • Collaborate in professional team environments to produce and present creative solutions to client challenges.
  • Self-assess to identify the lessons available in failure and the place of critique in the improvement process.
  • Develop a showcase portfolio to represent industry ready competency in art direction.
  • Generate visual content for use in various media channels that aligns with the creative brief and is in compliance with legislation, industry standards and accepted business practices.
  • Question assumptions and biases through listening, reading and observing critically to validate the intentions of a proposed advertising solution prior to presentation

Humber’s Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resources Management degree program focuses on applied professional human resources (HR) practices and solutions. Our program starts with a foundation of business studies in areas such as organizational behaviour, law, economics, finance and accounting, marketing, and operations management. Specialization courses will focus on HR, giving you practical skills through applied projects such as developing plans and strategies to address key issues in recruitment and selection, compensation, policy, and training and development. You will have the opportunity to develop processes from the idea stage through to execution, and you will learn from experienced professors and a network of industry professionals.

The program is closely connected to the HR industry. You will have the opportunity to meet with a panel of the program’s advisory committee members to discuss career opportunities and to attend workshops and events on human resources-related topics.

Work Placement
The program requires that you complete 14 weeks/420 hours of paid work in the summer between your sixth and seventh semesters. This gives you the hands-on, real-world experience that employers value. Your placement will give you the opportunity to explore the field you’d like to work in when you graduate. We will work with employers and our industry partners to help you identify opportunities to pursue.

Developed originally with the Institute of Canadian Bankers (ICB) and industry professionals, Humber’s Business Management – Financial Services diploma program is the only one of its kind in Ontario. Through our current and relevant curriculum, you’ll become well-versed in all aspects of banking, investments, insurance and financial planning. You’ll also build essential business skills through courses in interpersonal communications, business writing and professional selling.

As a graduate, you’ll be able to help individuals with everything from banking, consumer credit and life insurance to financial planning.

Work Placement

• A 150-hour (minimum) work placement will give you valuable practical industry experience and preparation for employment. You’ll find your own placement under the guidance of the program co-ordinator and will learn effective job search skills.

Humber’s Fashion Management graduate certificate program prepares you to work in the dynamic fashion industry and focuses on the management, marketing, sales of fashion apparel and accessories. Courses cover new product development and branding, fashion buying and retailing, multi-channel sales, international marketing and product management. Visual merchandising skills combined with colour theory skills and trend forecasting give this program a dynamic, hands-on approach to the business side of fashion.

Students in the program can choose the promotions or sustainability profile. The promotions profile covers the rapidly growing promotional side of fashion including courses in integrated marketing communication and social media brand management. Students will learn how to leverage and promote a brand through social media, personal blogs, Instagram, Twitter, online selling and personal website development.

Sustainable fashion profile provides students with opportunities to learn about the important aspects of fashion sustainability such as ethics and supply chain, creative innovations in the fashion industry and how to make a case for sustainability from a financial and managerial perspective. There is a growing demand for industry professionals with knowledge of sustainable solutions and innovation. Students graduate from the program prepared with tools to lead the industry to a lasting sustainable fashion change.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Review political, economic, social, environmental and regulatory factors affecting fashion industry and global sourcing decisions to achieve cost-effective, sustainable, quality product procurement and operations.
  • Apply accounting, finance and supply chain operation methods to make sustainable business decisions that build competitive advantage for fashion products.
  • Recommend merchandising, store-level operations, promotions and product offering improvements for retailers based on detailed competitive analysis.
  • Develop entrepreneurship strategies that inform start-up business plans to achieve profitability and sustainability goals.
  • Develop a merchandising plan and replenishment process using industry specific tools in accordance with an allocated budget to achieve desired profitability and performance metrics.
  • Justify a promotional marketing and visual merchandising plan based on analysis of the business’s current position in the market to appeal to target audience and support strategic business objectives. 
  • Formulate evidence-based and innovative business plans that serve to solve identified fashion business problems related to production, profitability and market position.
  • Defend a mutually beneficial wholesale fashion line proposal to a retailer based on analysis of the buyer’s performance and profitability, target market and current fashion trends.
  • Employ language of the fashion industry to communicate effectively with direct and indirect stakeholders in line with businesses’ strategic objectives to establish and maintain working relationships.
  • Develop textual and visual online and in-store content to engage target clients through variety of media platforms to strengthen market position and business profitability.
  • Analyze historical and current development in the fashion industry together with predicted future trends to create competitive and sustainable business solutions.

Work Placement
Gain first-hand experience in the industry with a four-week (160-hour) work placement which takes place either part time during the program or full time at the end of the program. Placements provide the valuable work experience employers seek.