MUSC206 Jazz Improvisation:Theory and Ear Training

Department of The Arts: Music

  1. Course Number and Title

    MUSC206 Jazz Improvisation:Theory and Ear Training

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    2250

  4. Prerequisites

    Audition

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    None

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This course provides the essential techniques needed for jazz improvisation. Students develop improvisational skills through applicable jazz theory, ear training, and performance-based exercises in both solo and small group settings.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Students will:
        1. take musical dictation accurately with regard to jazz rhythm, melody, and harmony;
        2. analyze harmonic progressions in standard jazz repertoire; and
        3. improvise using standard melodic, harmonic and modal principles.

      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. practice aural recognition of all 7th chord qualities with their alterations and extensions, jazz related scales, and common chord progressions;
      2. define and apply harmonic analysis principles to standard jazz repertoire using appropriate methodologies and chord nomenclature; and
      3. define and apply melodic, harmonic and modal principles of improvisation.

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Course
        2. Course-specific content is assessed via homework assignments, in-class performances, exams, and a required final project. The final project must include a solo performance demonstrating melodic, harmonic and modal principles of improvisation.
      2. Core (if applicable)
        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      Provided by instructor.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Revision/Approval Date: Approved 02/23/2011; Revised 9/2011