MUS 0049. Jazz Improvisation Performance Ensemble
Unit: 1.5
Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class and require demonstrated ability to play a melodic instrument and read music in the treble or bass clef
Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Fundamentals of jazz improvisation, including chord-scale application. Analysis of diverse styles of the great jazz artists through recordings and transcriptions. Development of a unique improvisational style as applied to performance. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)
MUS 0049 - Jazz Improvisation Performance Ensemble
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/mus-0049/
Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class and require demonstrated ability to play a melodic instrument and read music in the treble or bass clef Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory) Description: Fundamentals of jazz improvisation, including chord-scale application. Analysis of diverse styles of the great jazz artists through recordings and transcriptions. Development of a unique improvisational style as applied to performance. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC) Units 1.5 Lecture-Discussion 18 Laboratory 36 By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify and define a basic vocabulary for the study and understanding of jazz improvisation. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of typical harmonic forms in standard jazz literature. Identify, distinguish and perform various rhythmic and melodic figures associated with the jazz idiom and perform them correctly on chosen instrument. Course Content Outline I. Basic theory A. Intervals 1. Major 2. Minor 3. Perfect 4. Augmented 5. Diminished B. Chord quality and function 1. Major I 2. Minor ii7 3. Dominant V7 C. Key signatures and tonal centers II. Modes of the major scale A. Ionian mode and major 7th chords B. Dorian mode and minor 7th chords C. Mixolydian mode and dominant 7th chords D. Lydian mode and major 7th #11 chords III. ii-V-I progression IV.Circle of fifths V. Modal jazz VI. Relative minor tonal centers A. Melodic minor scale B. Lydian dominant and dominant 7th #11 chords VII. Altered dominant chords A. Diminished scales B. Whole tone scale VIII. Slash chords IX. Common chord tones X. Common forms A. Blues progressions B. AABA song form XI. Standard jazz literature and heads XII. Interpreting lead sheets and lyrics XIII. Solo transcriptions XIV. Phrasing, time keeping, and interpreting rhythmic patterns XV. Rehearsing and performing in combos A. Instrumentation B. Choosing and arranging literature C. Bandstand communication and cues XVI. Rhythm section responsibilities A. Locking and balance B. Time keeping C. Comping XVII. Effective solo construction A. Melodic paraphrasing B. Melodic sequences and patterns C. Tension and release D. Story telling XVIII. Vocal Improvisation A. Scat B. Transposition C. Lyric communication XIX. Concert performance technique A. Stage and equipment set-up and tear down B. Microphone and sound system technique C. Concert dress and deportment D. Audience communication techniques Course Objectives Course Objectives Lecture-Directed Study Objectives: 1. Play in time with the section and ensemble as directed by the conductor. 2. Play and improvise typical harmonic forms in standard jazz literature. 3. Play with appropriate dynamics, articulation, phrasing and expression as directed. 4. Play accurately various rhythmic figures associated with the jazz idiom. 5. Play with appropriate blend and balance within the section and ensemble. Laboratory Objectives: 1. Play and demonstrate improvisational facility on the blues and ii-V-I chord progression. 2. Perform improvised solos as applicable. 3. Evaluate through written reports other performance ensembles through concert attendance. 4. Adhere to professional level ensemble performance and rehearsal standards of conduct. 5. Demonstrate an increased facility above previous level by repetition. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Reports Skill Demonstrations Reading Assignments 1. Research modes of the major scale and be prepared to discuss the intervallic construction of the Ionian, Dorian, and Mixolydian modes. 2. Read an interview of a performing artist in a jazz periodical or jazz journal. Be prepared to discuss the key points made in the article in regards to the artist's approach to improvisation. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a critical review of a live jazz concert performance using pertinent terminology and concepts discussed in class. 2. Perform an improvisation with a student combo that shows a basic understanding of theoretical concepts discussed throughout the semester. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course. Appropriate musical selections are studied and performed. All music selected will be of a high artistic caliber, typically professional or university level compositions. Use of sheet music provided by instructor from Music Department score library.
Course Identification Numbering System (C-ID)
...MUS 0046 MUS 180 MUS 0047 MUS 180 MUS 0048 MUS 180 MUS 0049 MUS...
