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Harvey Mudd College Spring 2008

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. Each semester we base our playing on tunes by a specific celebrated composer/performer. This semester it is living saxophonist/composer Benny Golson. (We have previously featured Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, and Dizzy Gillespie.)

Instructor

Bob Keller 1249 Olin (office hours 4-5:30 MTW, by drop-in, or by appointment), keller@cs.hmc.edu, x 18483

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 the twelve major scales on one's primary instrument, motivation to play jazz, permission of the instructor. Please complete the application for admission to this course if interested. Note: Repeating for credit is by invitation only, based on progress and attendance in the previous semester.

Meeting Time and Place

Wed. 8:30-10:00 p.m., 2nd Floor, Sprague Library

Requirements and Grading

Participation and practice 40%, Written work 30%, Final Performance 30%. The 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. It is not intended as a casual jam for those who don't play between sessions.

Please note: Attendance at class is absolutely required. If you need to be excused, please ask, because unexcused absences will affect your grade negatively.

Required Materials

There is a required book and CD combination: Jamey Aebersold Jazz Playalong, Volume 14, Benny Golson, which can be ordered from www.jazzbooks.com. Please acquire a copy by the first class meeting. We will also use the Impro-Visor software tool. Other material may be provided by the instructor.

Optional Materials

See the Resources link at the top of the page.

There are several good jazz theory books. Ask me if you'd like a recommendation for one to suit you.

Outline, Spring 2008

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 and ninth Minor seventh and ninth Major six-nine Minor six-nine Major seventh, sharp eleven Minor eleventh Dominant and other chord structures: Dominant seventh Dominant seventh, sharp eleven Dominant seventh, flat nine Dominant thirteenth Diminished triad Diminished seventh Dominant seventh, sus 4 Augmented triad Alt (sharp five, sharp nine) Resolution of dissonant intervals Voice leading Chord resolutions Blues progression Cycle of fifths Major ii-V-I progressions and left-hand keyboard voicings Use of leading tones Secondary dominants Scales Major scale modes Melodic minor scale modes Whole-tone scales Diminished scales Keyboard voicings Open voicings Shell voicings Rootless voicings Quartal voicings Solo analysis Solo construction minor ii-V-I progressions and keyboard voicings Tritone substitutions Transcription

Instrumental Tunes Benny Golson Five Spot After Dark Blues March Whisper Not Killer Joe Along Came Betty Are you Real? I Remember Clifford

Videos

• "Five Spot After Dark"

• "Along Came Betty"

Audios

• Benny Golson on Rhapsody