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Harvey Mudd College Spring 2005

Music 84: Jazz Improvisation

What this course is about:

This course introduces theory and practice of modern jazz improvisation, from basic harmonic concepts through solo and group performance. The level is typically beginning through intermediate, with some advanced players also participating.

Instructor

Bob Keller 1249 Olin (office hours 4-5 MTW, by drop-in, or by appointment), keller@cs.hmc.edu, x 18483, My Schedule

Catalog Description

The art of simultaneously hearing, composing, and performing music. Chords, scales, chord progressions, and tunes of modern jazz. Theory, listening, analysis, and group practice in improvisation skills. 1.5 Credit hours, may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisites: Music-reading ability, ability to play most of the twelve major scales on an instrument, motivation to play jazz, permission of the instructor. Please complete the application for admission to this course if interested.

Meeting Time and Place

Wed. 8:15-9:45 p.m., 2nd Floor, Sprague Library

Requirements and Grading

Participation and practice 50%, Written work 25%, Final Performance 25%. Proficiency levels of participants generally varies widely. Accordingly, grading is based on diligence, rather than absolute skill level. You are expected to practice daily. (It will require self-motivation and effort. If you don't wish to exert yourself, please don't sign up for this class.)) Attendance at class is absolutely required. If you need to be excused, please ask, because unexcused absences will affect your grade negatively.

Required Materials

  • For Vocalists: You may purchase these on-line or by telephone with a credit card. I am willing to make one batch order that should get us the materials within a week. If you wish to exploit this, you will need to have money or a check in advance. Consider ordering from Jamey Aebersold.

    Outline, Fall 2004

    The outline is subject to change.

    Concept Outline

    • Listening suggestions
    • Jazz rhythmic style
    • Intervals
    • Inversions
    • Major and minor chord structures:
      • Major triad
      • Minor triad
      • Major seventh
      • Minor seventh
      • Major six-nine
      • Minor six-nine
    • Dominant and other chord structures:
      • Dominant seventh
      • Diminished triad
      • Diminished seventh
      • Dominant seventh, sus 4
      • Augmented triad
    • Resolution of dissonant intervals
    • Voice Leading
    • Chord resolutions
    • Chord extensions and alterations:
      • 9th, 11th, 13th
      • Dominant +11, 13
      • Altered dominant (b9, +9 +5, b13)
    • Major ii-V-I progressions and left-hand keyboard voicings
    • Use of leading tones
    • Whole-tone scales
    • Secondary dominants
    • Scale modes
      • Major scale modes
      • Melodic minor scale modes
    • Keyboard voicings
      • Open voicings
      • Shell voicings
      • Rootless vocings
      • Quartal voicings
    • Blues progressions
    • Solo analysis
    • Solo construction
    • minor ii-V-I progressions and keyboard voicings
    • Minor blues
    • Tritone substitutions
    • Transcription
    • iii-VI-ii-V progression
    • Cycle of fifths
    • Diminished scales

    Instrumental Tunes

    • Miles Davis
      • All Blues
      • Blue in Green
      • Four
      • Half Nelson
      • Milestones
      • Nardis
      • Seven Steps to Heaven
      • So What
      • Solar
      • Tune Up

    Vocal Tunes to be Determined

    We can also work on other tunes, time permitting.