Resources | Jazz Links | Recommended Listening | Application for admission to this course

Harvey Mudd College Fall 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 saxophonist/composer John Coltrane. (We have previously featured Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Benny Golson.)

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 level 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 practice 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: Jazz Play Along, volume 13, John Coltrane (Hal Leonard publisher). Please acquire a copy by the first class meeting. We will also use the free 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, Fall 2008

Concept Outline

·          Listening suggestions

·          Jazz rhythmic style

·          Intervals

·          Inversions

·          Major and minor chord structures:

  • Triads
  • Major seventh and ninth
  • Minor seventh and ninth
  • Major and minor six-nine
  • Major seventh, sharp eleven
  • Minor eleventh
  • Minor seventh and ninth, flat five

Dominant and other chord structures:

  • Dominant seventh
  • Dominant seventh, sharp eleven
  • Dominant seventh, flat nine
  • Dominant seventh, sharp nine
  • Dominant thirteenth
  • Diminished triad
  • Diminished seventh
  • Dominant seventh, sus 4
  • Augmented triad
  • Seventh 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

·                        Tritone substitutions

·                        Secondary dominants

 

Concept Outline (continued)

·                        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

Instrumental Tunes

·                        John Coltrane

Note: Some of the play along tracks may sound
impossibly fast. I will provide some
slowed-down versions.

Vocal Tunes

·                        Lush Life (Hartman, Ella & Sarah, Masse)