Curriculum
Below is a brief description of the curriculum for the Jazz Studies Department. Click on the course number for further details.
Introduction to Music
Mus 151
A practical approach to hearing music with understanding and pleasure,
through study of representative musics of various styles and great musicians.
Lectures, videos, recordings, internet studies, and live concert attendance
will be utilized throughout the semester.
Jazz History and Appreciation
Mus 351D
It is the purpose of this class to not only acquaint students with the
music, but to enable them to appreciate and admire a form of artistic
expression that is uniquely American.
Jazz Ensembles
Mus 189 / Mus 389 / Mus 589
Jazz Ensembles provide Big Band ensemble experience and are composed of
standard big band instrumentation of five trumpets, four or five trombones,
five woodwinds, piano, bass, guitar, drums and miscellaneous percussion.
The Ensembles perform at festivals, on-campus concerts, and with world class
jazz artists.
Jazz Combos
Mus 170 / Mus 370 / Mus 570
The Jazz Combos play at festivals and on-campus concerts. The combos cover
a wide range of musical styles and performance level abilities. The top
groups perform a majority of student compositions and study advanced improvisational
techniques. We also offer beginning jazz combos for those who have never
improvised before, but have a background in music.
Elements of Jazz Series
Mus 166 / Mus
266 / Mus 366 / Mus
466
The Elements of Jazz theory program offers a thorough curriculum in all
aspects of analytical, aural and conceptual principles common to the jazz
idiom. Elements of Jazz I covers basic analysis principles and ear training
within the context of the Bebop genre. Elements II offers expanded analysis
methodology in more chromatically enhanced repertoire. Elements III takes
up John Coltrane's neo Bebop harmonic language, as well as the application
of modes and altered modes. Elements IV delves into the chromatic modal
and harmonic innovations of the post-Bop era of the sixties and early
seventies.
Jazz Arranging and Composition
Mus 566A / Mus
566B
The first semester of this program covers techniques for writing for jazz
combos with three and four horns. This course also covers four part "thickened
line harmonization" as it applies to sax soli writing, as well as
brass "shout chorus" ensemble voicings. The second semester
of this series focuses on the writing of a major composition for large
jazz ensemble that is performed at the Jazz Composers' Concert at the
end of the Spring semester.
History of Jazz
A one year course of study delving into jazz styles and forms as they have evolved historically, including classroom playing experience as it relates to the study of history.
Seminar in Conceptual Analysis of Jazz
Mus 614
A graduate seminar in jazz theory required for the Master of Music in
Jazz Studies. Topics include analysis and composition of music in the
chromatic modal style, analysis and discussion of developments in creative
music during the last twenty five years, weekly journal entries on assigned
reading as well as pedagogical principles in jazz education.
Seminar in the History of Jazz
A graduate seminar required for the Master of Music in Jazz Studies which deals with in depth research, writing skills, and in-class presentations.
Comprehensive Musicianship
Comprehensive Musicianship is a unique four-year program which provides the core musicianship training of music majors and minors. Courses include harmony, ear training, sight singing, counterpoint, form and analysis, arranging and orchestration, composition, improvisation, opportunities for rehearsing and conducting small and large ensembles, and performance. The courses deal with musical styles of all periods, ethnic and world music, as well as two courses in jazz. The primary objective of Comprehensive Musicianship is to teach students to deal intelligently with all kinds of music.