MUS 539

Studies in Jazz

Focus on aural skills, transcription methods, and advanced jazz harmony topics. Extended functional harmony and advanced rhythmic concepts. Examples will focus on transcribed solos by established jazz masters. Sections include: (01) Jazz Style Analysis, Prereq: Theory IV and MUS 138 and permission of instructor. Explores jazz style through analysis of historically significant transcribed solos as played by jazz masters (02) Advanced Jazz Theory, Prereq: Jazz Theory I or passing grade on Jazz Theory Entrance Exam. (03) Standard Jazz Repertoire Prereq: MUS 138 and permission of instructor. Focuses on learning compositions from standard jazz repertoire. While improvisation is stressed as an important part of the learning process,the main objective will be to learn and memorize melodies and chord progressions of selected pieces froma number of musical styles. Each class session will concentrate on a specific style, composer, and/or type of composition tune. A variety of tempos and keys will be chosen. Selected compositions may be performed with play-a-long recordings or with other students in class

Units: 2.0