Course Description
Introduction to 12-bar blues form and rhythm changes. Compositional styles from Louis Armstrong, the Swing Era, Be-bop, and modern jazz will be studied and performed. The concept of rhythm in each of these styles will be studied.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Study of jazz theory with in-depth analysis of chord/scale relationships built around specific changes. Study of repertoire, including "I Got Rhythm," "The Theme," "Lester Leaps In," "Rhythm-a-ning," "Sister Sadie," and "Cape Verdean Blues."
Athena Title
Jazz Improvisation II
Undergraduate Prerequisite
MUSI 4784/6784
Graduate Prerequisite
MUSI 4784/6784
Undergraduate Pre or Corequisite
Permission of major
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1.Students will analyze the melodic harmonic, rhythmic, and textural elements of each major jazz improvisational style from Dixielnd to Fusions. 2.The students will memorize the jaz elments: scales, chord progressions, rhythmic exercises, etc. 3.Students will practice the execution o the elements of jazz through scales, chord progressions, rhythmic exercises, etc., on their major applied instruments. 4.Students will practice the execution of the elements of jazz through scales, chord progressions, rhythmic exercises, etc., on piano, if it is not their major applied instrument. 5.Students will progress through graded electronic-assisted-instruction programs for the development of improvisational skills, such as the Jamie Abersol records and VIVACE computer programs. 6.Students will study the formal structure of jazz compositions, both improvised and prescribed. 7.Students will develop and practice improvised solos within a small jazz ensemble (combo) context. 8.Students will perform improvised jazz solos within the small and large jazz band setting each term that they are enrolled. The will be evaluated on stylistic elements, technical artistic results.
Topical Outline
a. development of melodic content in single-line melody instruments, given an harmonic progression and rhythmic and other structure contexts. b. development of harmonic content in small jazz ensemble performance. c.study and performance of jazz scales, as they apply to melodic improvisation. d. study and performance of jazz harmonic progressions using the piano. e. study and performance rhythm as an integral part of each jazz style, from Dixieland through bebop, fusion, latin compositions and other major stylistic trends. f. listening to representative recordings of each stylistic period or improvisational trend, using various historical record collections, including the Smithsonian collection. g. the practice of improvisation using "music minus one" and VIVACE electronic media as educational tools. h. the practice and performance of improvisation through small jazz ensemble (combo) interaction with other students.
Syllabus