SRJC Course Outlines

3/28/2024 11:21:06 PMMUSC 5A Course Outline as of Fall 2014

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  MUSC 5ATitle:  JAZZ IMPROVISATION 1  
Full Title:  Jazz Improvisation 1
Last Reviewed:5/11/2020

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled3.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled52.50
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled017.5 min.Lab Scheduled0
 Contact DHR0 Contact DHR0
 Contact Total3.00 Contact Total52.50
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  105.00Total Student Learning Hours: 157.50 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  39 - Total 2 Times
Also Listed As: 
Formerly:  MUS 5.1A

Catalog Description:
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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: Untitled document
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:39 - Total 2 Times

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

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

Certificate/Major Applicable: Major Applicable Course



COURSE CONTENT

Outcomes and Objectives:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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Upon completion of this course the student will 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
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    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:
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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:
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Aebersold, Jamey. A New Approach to Jazz Improvisation, Volume 54 (Maiden Voyage)  CD
and text:  1991. (Classic text)
 
Instructor prepared materials.

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