11/21/2024 3:04:15 AM	MUSC 5A Course Outline as of Fall 2021	Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION
Discipline and Nbr:  MUSC 5A	Title:  JAZZ IMPROVISATION 1
Full Title:  Jazz Improvisation 1
Last Reviewed:5/11/2020

Units		Course Hours per Week			Nbr of Weeks	Course Hours Total
Maximum	3.00	Lecture Scheduled	3.00		17.5 max.	Lecture Scheduled	52.50
Minimum	3.00	Lab Scheduled	0		6 min.	Lab Scheduled	0
		Contact DHR	0			Contact DHR	0
		Contact Total	3.00			Contact Total	52.50
		Non-contact DHR	0			Non-contact DHR Total	0

Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00

Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  MUS 5.1A

Catalog Description:

This course provides instrumental students with the tools and techniques for jazz improvisation at a beginning level. Topics include scales, arpeggios, the elements of jazz harmony, the blues, and characteristic chord progressions.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:

Recommended Preparation:
Ability to play all major scales on a musical instrument

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description:

This course provides instrumental students with the tools and techniques for jazz improvisation at a beginning level. Topics include scales, arpeggios, the elements of jazz harmony, the blues, and characteristic chord progressions.

(Grade Only)
Prerequisites:
Recommended:Ability to play all major scales on a musical instrument
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:		Effective:		Inactive:
Area:
CSU GE:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
IGETC:	Transfer Area			Effective:	Inactive:
CSU Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 1981	Inactive:
UC Transfer:	Transferable	Effective:	Fall 1981	Inactive:
C-ID:

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course

COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Improvise on standard jazz repertoire in a jazz combo setting utilizing basic harmonic, rhythmic, and melodic procedures.

 

Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

1. Perform the fundamental scales, modes, and arpeggios used in jazz improvisation.

2. Analyze simple jazz chord progressions, identifying appropriate scales, arpeggios, and/or

    melodic patterns for improvisation.

3. Construct stylistically appropriate jazz lines from previously analyzed examples.

4. Compare and contrast styles of early jazz artists from recorded examples.

Topics and Scope

I. Scales Commonly Used in Jazz and Their Application

      A. Major

      B. Dorian

      C. Mixolydian

      D. Pentatonic

      E. Blues scales

II.  Stylistically Appropriate Use of Rhythm

III. Arpeggio Exercises

      A. Major sevenths

      B. Dominant sevenths

      C. Minor sevenths

IV.  Melodic Fragments Played Around the Circle of Fourths

V.   Ear Training Through Instrumental "Call and Response" Based on the Above Scales,

      Arpeggios, and Patterns

VI.  Blues Form

VII. Combo Performance and Rhythm Section Techniques

     A. Bass lines

     B. Comping: voicings for piano and guitar

     C. The role of the drummer

     D. "Trading fours" and other ensemble techniques

Assignments:

1. Most class sessions consist of drills in all keys, scale patterns, arpeggio exercises, ear training

    (through instrumental "call and response"), and improvisational exercises based on pieces

    from the standard jazz repertoire.

2. Approximately every two weeks the entire class session will be devoted to a performance of

    the tune(s) we have been working on. Students will solo on each tune to the best of their

    ability and rhythm section players should demonstrate good comping skills. These

    performances are considered tests and are graded accordingly.

3. The final exam is an in-class performance.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.

Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.		Writing 0 - 0%
None
This is a degree applicable course but assessment tools based on writing are not included because skill demonstrations are more appropriate for this course.
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.		Problem Solving 0 - 0%
None
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.		Skill Demonstrations 70 - 80%
Class performances
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.		Exams 0 - 0%
None
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.		Other Category 20 - 30%
Attendance and class participation

Representative Textbooks and Materials:

A New Approach to Jazz Improvisation, Volume 54 (Maiden Voyage), CD and text. Aebersold, Jamey. 1991 (classic)

 

Instructor prepared materials.

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