SRJC Course Outlines

12/9/2024 3:11:28 AMMUSC 5A Course Outline as of Fall 2013

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  MUSC 5ATitle:  BEGINNING JAZZ IMPROV  
Full Title:  Beginning Jazz Improvisation
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:
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.

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:
Untitled document
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to:
1. Perform the scales, modes, and arpeggios used in jazz improvisation.
2. Analyze 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 improvisation from recorded examples.
Repeating students will be able to:
1. Improvise at a higher skill level and on more difficult repertoire.
2. Demonstrate greater technical achievement on their instrument.
3. Articulate musical phrases with greater clarity.
4. Perform with higher standards of intonation.
5. Demonstrate a more sophisticated comprehension of dynamics, phrasing, musical expression, and nuance.

Topics and Scope
Untitled document
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
   D. Diminished and half-diminished 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. The II-V-I progression
VIII. 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
IX. Performance and improvisation upon standard jazz repertoire
X. Repeating students will perform new music each semester, building on both their skill level and knowledge of the repertoire.

Assignments:
Untitled document
1. Perform scale and arpeggio exercises with stylistically appropriate rhythm from memory.
2. Perform twelve-bar Blues form from memory.
3. Class performances of 5 - 7 jazz compositions.
4. The final exam is an in-class performance.
5. Repeating students will be held to higher standards of performance with each repetition.

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:
Untitled document
Aebersold, Jamey. A New Approach to Jazz Improvisation, Volume 54 (Maiden Voyage)  CD and text:  1991. (Classic text)
 
Instructor prepared materials.

Print PDF