Jazz Improvisation

1 year.  Instruction in small group jazz performance with emphasis on the practical application of chord/scale theory, the development of the ear through transcription of recorded solos, and the principles of successful small group interaction. Repertoire includes modal tunes, basic blues forms, and standard tunes of the 1930s-1960s. Students receive class instruction as well as individual attention within a combo format.

Advanced Jazz Improvisation

1 year.  An advanced course focusing on tunes from the classic and contemporary jazz repertoire. Emphasis on more complex harmonies, altered chords, chord/scale relationships, bitonality, and stylistic considerations.

Jazz Theory I

1 quarter.  Basic chord construction, extended chords, nomenclature, appropriate spacing, and voice leading.  Ear-training exercises. Recording and analysis of student arrangements.

Jazz Theory II

1 quarter.  Chord/scale relationships, melodic analysis, approach notes, harmonic analysis, chord substitutions, and extensive tune study. Ear-training exercises. Recording and analysis of student compositions/arrangements for 5-piece combo.

Jazz Arranging for Small Ensemble

1 quarter.  Arranging techniques for up to five horns. Mechanical and non-mechanical voicings, approach harmonies, linear techniques, ranges and transpositions, rhythm section writing, and score study. Recording and analysis of student arrangements.

Jazz Composing/Arranging for Large Ensemble I

1 quarter.  In-depth score study of Nestico, Ellington, and others. Mechanical and non-mechanical voicings with emphasis on sectional writing. Recording and analysis of student big band charts.

Jazz Composing/Arranging for Large Ensemble II

1 quarter.  In-depth score study of Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, Bob Mintzer and others. More advanced voicings, approach techniques and substitute chords. Writing for woodwinds and percussion. Recording and analysis of student big band charts.

Advanced Jazz Composition and Arranging

1 quarter.  A flexible seminar based on student interests. Possible topics include advanced compositional techniques, contemporary harmonic trends, writing for strings, studio orchestra, unusual instrumentation, and instrumental backgrounds for vocalists. Recording and analysis of diverse student projects.

Jazz History

1 year.  A discussion/analysis course covering the evolution of jazz in America through the various periods and styles.  Pivotal figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane are examined through a study of their music, emphasizing harmonic analysis of transcribed solos, and the historical position of their music in an evolutionary context. Selected reading and listening assignments are given.

Jazz Styles and Analysis

1 year. A lecture/analysis/performance course covering the history, theory, and performance practice of jazz. Scholarly study is combined with practical experience through a simultaneous exploration of history and literature, theory and ear training, and the recreation of authentic performance styles. Assignments include extensive listening, historical readings, research papers, theoretical analysis, transcriptions, and performance re-creation.

Seminar in Jazz Pedagogy

1 year.  An overview of teaching methods utilized in collegiate, secondary, and private jazz education. Topics include jazz theory, improvisation, and arranging methods, ensemble programming, rehearsal techniques, conducting, and the aesthetics of jazz.

Jazz Keyboard Skills

1 year.  For the non-piano major.  Development of jazz chord voicings, harmonization techniques and basic idiomatic jazz piano styles. The course provides the ability to “comp” for soloists, and develops the ear-training skills essential for successful improvisation, composition, and arranging.

Sound Reinforcement and Recording Techniques

1 year.  An introduction to audio equipment and its application in sound reinforcement and recording. Topics include basic acoustics, audio electronics, and the set-up and operation of live sound and analog and digital studio recording equipment.

Digital Recording and Editing

1 year.  The application of multi-track recording techniques using digital formats; includes hands-on experience recording jazz and other performing groups. An introduction to digital editing.

The Business of Music

1 year.  Provides information about the entrepreneurial skills required of today's musician as well as an overview of music and music-related career possibilities. Topics include promoting your career, auditions/interviews, CD production, copyright and performance rights societies, contracts, the musicians union, grants, and performer's etiquette.

Concert Jazz Ensembles

Modern jazz ensembles of 17-20 members which perform a wide variety of styles from historical swing, bebop, post-bop, fusion, and Latin, to avant-garde. Special emphasis is placed on the idiom’s great art-music composers such as Thad Jones, Bill Holman, and Bob Brookmeyer, on projects like the annual All-Ellington transcription concert, and on the performance of student arrangements.

Jazz Combos

Small combos focusing on the preparation and memorization of a large selection of standard tunes, jazz classics, and contemporary music. Aesthetic issues as well as practical “on-the job” considerations are emphasized. Jazz majors perform in at least one combo per quarter.

Jazz Guitar Class

Performance, arrangement, and composition of literature for 2-6 guitars.  Development of single line techniques, reading, and “comping” skills.