Jazz Studies Courses
MUSIC-034 Jazz/Rock Keyboard
Investigation of fundamental keyboard skills necessary to perform contemporary jazz and rock music. Keyboard styles from 1950 to the present will be discussed, with emphasis on today's keyboard demands. Content includes the function and voicings of chords, melodic harmonization of tunes, and basic improvisational theory.
MUSIC-067 Jazz and Popular Vocal Techniques
Investigation of techniques involved with performing jazz and popular vocalizing. Areas of discussion and practice include style, phrasing, use of microphones, working with backup groups and literature selection. This course is designed to apply to vocalists of all levels of experience.
MUSIC-070 Jazz Ensemble I
Suggest that one has fundamental skill on jazz band instrument; concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Brass Band, or College Chorus; audition by instructor. Investigation of the fundamental techniques associated with jazz ensemble performance; extensive practice and frequent public performance.
MUSIC-071 Jazz Ensemble II
Suggest that one has fundamental skill on jazz band instrument; concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Brass Band, or College Chorus; audition by instructor. Investigation of the literature associated with several professional big bands; discussion of early jazz styles and interpretations; extensive practice and frequent public performance.
MUSIC-072 Jazz Ensemble III
Suggest that one has fundamental skill on jazz band instrument; concurrent enrollment in Concert Band, Brass Band, or College Chorus; audition by instructor. Investigation of contemporary big band styles and related literature; advanced techniques in soloing and jazz performance; extensive practice and frequent public performance.
MUSIC-074 Jazz Studio I
Fundamental skill on jazz band instrument is suggested. Investigation of the fundamental techniques associated with big band jazz performance; extensive practice and frequent public performance.
MUSIC-075 Jazz Studio II
Fundamental skill on jazz band instrument is suggested. Investigation of the fundamental techniques associated with big band jazz performance; extensive practice and frequent public performance.
MUSIC-076 Jazz Studio III
Fundamental skill on jazz band instrument is recommended. Investigation of the fundamental techniques associated with big band jazz performance; discussion of various jazz styles and improvisation; extensive practice and frequent public performance. Students will be placed on appropriate parts, based on audition by instructor.
MUSIC-081 Introduction to Improvisation
Investigation of various techniques for improvisation. This course is designed to introduce the student to the improvised and aural traditions comprising the bulk of most of the music of the Western and non-Western world. The well-rounded musician of the 1990’s should have at least a rudimentary ability to improvise on her/his instrument. Stylistic areas covered will be jazz, latin, funk, blues, rock, African, and contemporary classical approaches.
MUSIC-082 Intermediate Jazz/Funk/Latin Workshop
Investigation of contemporary techniques for musical improvisation; extensive listening and small group practice. This course will deal with scales and chords commonly associated with jazz, rock, latin, and pop music.
MUSIC-083 Advanced Jazz/Funk/Rock Workshop I
Further investigation of improvisational techniques with an emphasis on aural perception and some small-group participation.
MUSIC-084 Advanced Jazz/Funk/Latin Workshop II
Advanced investigation of techniques for musical improvisation in Jazz, Funk and latin styles, extensive listening and small group practice; aural analysis and ear training; several compositional assignments will be required.
MUSIC-250 Night Jazz Band
A course for musicians wishing to investigate challenging professional level material in the jazz canon ranging from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson (1920's) to the present-day (Maria Schneider, Bob Belden). Frequent public performances.
MUSIC-251 Night Jazz Band II
A continuation of MUSIC 250, this course is for musicians wishing to further investigate challenging professional level material in the jazz canon ranging from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson (1920's) to the present day (Maria Schneider, Bob Belden). Frequent public performances.
MUSIC-252 Night Jazz Band III
A continuation of MUSIC 251, this course is for musicians wishing to further investigate challenging professional level material in the jazz canon ranging from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson (1920's) to the present day (Maria Schneider, Bob Belden). Frequent public performances.
MUSIC-253 Night Jazz Band IV
A continuation of MUSIC 252, this course is for musicians wishing to further investigate challenging professional level material in the jazz canon ranging from Duke Ellington and Fletcher Henderson (1920's) to the present day (Maria Schneider, Bob Belden). Frequent public performances.