Music 84: Jazz Improvisation

Resources | Jazz Links | Recommended Listening | Application for admission to this course (Don’t show up without advanced permission.)

Harvey Mudd College Spring 2010

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 Gerry Mulligan. (We have previously featured Horace Silver, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Benny Golson, John Coltrane, Tom Harrell, and Freddie Hubbard.)

Instructor

Bob Keller 1253 Olin (office hours 4-5:30 MTW, by drop-in, or by appointment), keller at cs dot hmc dot 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 performance level.

You are expected to practice daily. It will require self-motivation and effort. If you have no intention of exerting yourself, please don't sign up for this class. It is not intended as a casual jam for those who don't practice between meetings.

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

Required Materials

There is a required book and CD combination: Hal Leonard, Volume 43, Gerry Mulligan Jazz Play Book and CD For All Instruments (available direct from the publisher http://www.jazzbooks.com). (There is also a Volume 42 of Gerry Mulligan, but we won’t require it.) Everyone except vocalists and drummers please acquire a copy by the first class meeting. We will also use the free Impro-Visor software tool from HMC.