MUS 35 The Jazz Language
This course will present the essential elements of the "jazz vocabulary" to instrumentalists and vocalists. The language of jazz consists of the common melodic phrases, rhythms, harmonies, song forms and timbres that are employed by jazz musicians in jazz compositions and improvisations. Students will learn to use this language by applying it to a variety of compositions from the standard jazz repertoire including Blues, 16 measure forms, AABA and ABAC song forms as well as non-traditional and freer forms. Time in and out of class will be a balance of listening to and studying jazz recordings and playing jazz compositions with other members of the class. Watching jazz videos, practicing ear training, transcribing and analyzing melodies and solos as well as playing songs, solo transcriptions and jazz exercises. In-class rehearsals, individual practice outside of class and working through the process of preparation for a final performance will be the primary focus of this course. The development of each student's creativity will be an integral part of the work in this class.
Instructor
Zsoldos