Language of Jazz II: Improvisation

Curriculum guideline

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Course
MUSC 4115
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 4115
Descriptive
Language of Jazz II: Improvisation
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature and Performing Arts
Credits
1.50
Start date
End term
201330
PLAR
No
Semester length
15
Max class size
20
Contact hours
2
Learning activities

Lecture/demonstration

Course description
This course deals with the application of the rhythmic and harmonic language gained from MUSC 3210, The Language of Jazz I. Emphasis in this class is placed upon solo improvisation using the blues, II-V-I and modal jazz. As this course is designed for the beginner, or novice jazz soloist, no previous experience in jazz improvisation is necessary. Through class participation, students will experience the thought processes and technical demands necessary to play improvised solos. Students may participate on either their primary or secondary instrument. Drummers should play either a mallet instrument (vibraphone) or piano. The course is also designed for students who are considering teaching jazz at the secondary school level or pursing jazz performance, jazz arranging and jazz composition. The classroom experience seeks to provide a similar experience to that faced by young jazz students.
Course content

Improvisation:

 

  • The blues, II-V-I and modal jazz
  • Using lead sheets
  • Playing a melody
  • Knowing the harmony
  • Assimilating jazz rhythms
  • Playing by ear
  • Improvising using limited resources
  • Developing a rhythmic flow
  • Jazz Phrasing
  • The importance of a vocabulary - "licks" and patterns
  • Organizing an improvised solo
  • How to practice
  • Studying the masters
  • Solo transcription
  • Interaction in the group setting
  • Improvised accompaniment - Comping
  • Free jazz

 

Teaching jazz in the high school music program:

 

  • The instruments associated with jazz ensembles
  • Common jazz styles
  • Teaching jazz improvisation
  • Rehearsing the school big band
  • Coaching small ensembles
  • Choosing repertoire
  • Concert programming
  • Jazz festivals
  • Teaching jazz history
  • Teaching jazz theory
  • Student evaluations
  • Developing listening skills and musical perception in students
  • Teaching resources

 

The teaching component will include a short research paper.

 

Students may participate on either their primary or secondary instrument. Drummers should play either a mallet instrument (vibraphone) or piano. 

Learning outcomes

Students will learn to apply the rhythmic and harmonic language gained from MUSC 3210, The Language of Jazz I, in order to improvise solos using the blues, II-V-I and modal jazz.  Through class participation, students will experience the thought processes and technical demands necessary to play improvised solos.

 

Students planning to teach jazz at the secondary school level will gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop a successful jazz program.  The classroom experience seeks to provide a similar experience to that faced by young jazz students.

Means of assessment

Class participation                                                 20%

Solo Improvisation                                                30%

Research Project (written paper) - Topics tba            30%

2 to 3 Exams (general knowledge)                          20%

 

Textbook materials

The instructor may assign a text book such as: Creative Jazz Improvisation by Scott Reeves (Prentice Hall)

Prerequisites

MUSC 3210 or permission of instructor

Corequisites

Private lessons (concentration or secondary)