ECA Music Course: Jazz Theory and Improvisation Course Description This course will focus on understanding the usage and sounds of the jazz and popular music language (melodic, harmonic and rhythmic); analysis of jazz techniques, compositions and improvisations; advanced ear training, including in-class aural drills and transcription of recorded examples. Short-term assignments, exercises, performance assessments and written quizzes will be given as homework and in class on a regular basis.
Course Overview: In this course, students will… • Examine contemporary practice of harmonies, melodies and rhythmic devices to develop the ability to recognize these practices in jazz and popular music. • Analyze and compose chord progressions with melodies to develop fluency with contemporary practice. • Improvise over jazz standards to develop spontaneous application of theoretical material covered. • Synthesize musical ideas to become reflective, cognizant, and expressive improvisers and composers.
Fall Semester 2014 T & Th 3:10-‐4:10 Instructor: Martin, Jim E-‐Mail:
[email protected] Phone: (203) 623-‐6376
MATERIALS
Students are expected to bring the following materials to class every day: Scores Pencil Homework Flash-drive At home, student will need: Metronome Audio play-back device Tuner Headphones Access to the internet Keyboard if possible Text Books: Berklee Harmony 1-3 by Barry Nettles Berklee Harmony 4 by Steve Rochinski Berklee Study Supplement for Harmony 1-4 by Barbara London Projects and Tests Sept 11 Quiz Modes and Chords to the 13th. Sept 30 Diatonic progression in major, with melody DUE Oct 14 Quiz Secondary dominant chords/scales Oct 30 Song project DUE
Course Curriculum Guide cont: Course Objectives Student work in this course will focus on the following categories outlined in the ECA School-Wide Rubric for student achievement:
Expertise: Students will improve in their ability to
understand and apply the theoretical concepts being presented. This will be demonstrated through improved improvised solos and original composition using more informed choices, and improvement in students’ ability to engage in analytical conversations about theoretical processes and musical forms.
Work Ethic: Students will strive to work with punctuality, preparation, attention, focus, enthusiasm, and participate in class discussion (both as a speaker and as an active, openminded, supportive listener) to contribute to a productive and positive learning environment. They will demonstrate effective practice strategies for study at home.
Creative Problem Solving: Students will be able to break down the components of harmonic progressions and melody spontaneously allowing them to improvise more effectively. Students will learn harmonic and melodic concepts that allow them to compose with more creativity and originality.
Working within a Diverse Artistic Community:
Students will become more adept at working with others through effective teamwork, meaningful dialogue, and direct and positive performance analysis. Students will participate with an increased awareness of class goals, respect for others’ space, and ideas, a willingness to support and assist peers, and active assistance with all aspects class work.
Methods of Evaluation Student achievement in the primary categories listed in Course Objectives, will be assessed through the following formal methods: Quizzes Tests Performances Written work Homework Class work Students will also demonstrate achievement toward course objectives through class discussion, punctuality, preparation for class, taking personal risks, supporting others, contributing to a positive learning environment, demonstrating leadership skills, taking initiative, and communicating questions and needs. Students will receive ongoing, verbal, and written feedback on their progress. Please contact me anytime, in person, via email, or by phone for additional feedback. Quarterly grades are reported through PowerTeacher with letter grades and narrative comments.
