Course overview
Jazz Theory, Improvisation, Keyboard Skills and Composition are all explored in this course through a study of relevant texts, audio/video resources, scores, and solo transcriptions. Theory and Improvisation are closely linked and involve the study of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic concepts in relation to standard jazz chord progressions and the 2nd year tunes list. All students benefit from studying fundamental Keyboard Skills. This class continues on from Jazz Musicianship 1B by exploring basic accompaniment skills, walking bass lines, chord shells, 2-3 note chord voicings, simple melody with LH accompaniment, two-hand co-ordination, and 4-way close voicings.
Course learning outcomes
- Develop practical skills on instrument/voice to execute jazz language in various tunes list tunes as an extension from skills acquired in Impro I.
- Develop awareness and general knowledge of solo construction.
- Develop a practical application of tendencies and patterns in the jazz repertoire through investigative study of advanced melodic and harmonic concepts.
- Develop skills in creative jazz soloing and group interplay.
- Develop skills in specific styles including bebop, swing, ballads, contemporary and modal tunes.
- Develop critical problem solving through study of transcribed solos and critical listening through audio and video files.
- Develop awareness and practical skills in African-American rhythms and awareness of rhythm section accompaniment
- Develop knowledge and understanding of the concepts and the processes involved in creating arrangements for small to medium-sized ensembles
- Develop a thorough understanding of orchestration for small to medium-sized ensembles
- Create original jazz compositions and arrangements for small to medium-sized ensembles