ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

JAZZ HARMONY

Course Description: Principles of diatonic chord progressions , analysis and exploration of major key harmony. Principles of linear harmonic continuity and minor key harmony. Introduction to non-diatonic chords from harmonic regions. Melodic rhythm, form and melody/ harmony relationship. Analysis and application of major and minor key harmony; and chord scale theory; Review of melodic construction and melody/harmony relationship. Form and melody/harmony relationship; modal harmony and modal composition. Discussion and use of nonfunctional harmonic techniques A systematic approach to the art of composing in the jazz idiom. Exploration of melodic, harmonic and rhythmic principles. Standard jazz song form. Analysis of jazz standards... Emphasis on newer harmonic concepts to enable students to write and analyze tunes in the style of Jazz masters.

Course Objective: Through the use of notated music, aural examples, books, discussion, performance, and regular class assignments, students will be able to identify, notate, analyze, and implement the musical elements outlined in the course topic list. Students will demonstrate these abilities by way of quizzes, regular class assignments, and projects. Upon completion of Harmony the student will have a comprehensive understanding of harmony in major, minor and modal systems. Upon satisfactory completion of this course, the student will have composed several projects for a small jazz ensemble, and will be familiar with the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, structural, and arranging techniques particular to this idiom. Upon successfully completing this course, the student will be able to deal with the specified technical areas of functional and non-functional harmonization.

AR TRAINING

Course Description: Development of basic ear training skills through performance and recognition activities. Study of melodies, intervals and exercises in various major-minor keys. Study of basic rhythmic patterns and introduction to common harmonic progressions. Study of basic conducting patterns and common music notation. Study of melodies and chord progressions that demonstrate the following modes; lydian, mixolydian, dorian, phrygian along with melodic and harmonic minor. Mixed modality is also explored later in the course. Rhythm studies will be similarly presented through rhythmic core motives. Advanced development of ear training skills through performance and recognition activities. Selected chromatic syllables are presented through core melodic motives, forming the basis of melodic reading, melodic dictation, and the study and recognition of common harmonic models.

Course Objective: Ear Training is forming a basic grounding in ear training. Upon successful completion of this course, you will have begun to develop such musical skills as reading rhythms, vocal production of tonal materials conducting and taking dictation. You will practice inner hearing, musical memory and polyphonic awareness exercises and you will have established a solid background in the foundations of musicianship and will be confident and prepared for various musical endeavors

JAZZ IMPROVISATION-ENSEMBLE

Course Description: A performance-centered class which is covering melodic, harmonic and rhythmic models applied to improvising in a variety of settings, covering jazz vocabulary and the construction of jazz melodies based on the traditions of players Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Jim Hall and others

Course Objective: Upon completion of this course the student will be able to improvise over a wide variety of chord changes and harmonic systems. The student should be able to generate and develop new melodies using melodic techniques presented in the class and to be able to improvise in most harmonic settings. You will have a solid background in the jazz vocabulary of the last fifty years. By studying model lines, students should be able to create their own lines based on the vocabulary of the masters.

WESTERN CLASSICAL MUSIC

Course Description: A broad overview of Western music from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Understanding of diverse forms and genres. Works of major composers are discussed in social and cultural contexts including philosophy, architecture, literature, and visual arts.

Course Objective: Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to identify various musical styles and genres, extend and enrich their comprehension of music and apply their knowledge of elements of musical style to identify musical works and to develop compositional approaches in their compositions. Students will be able comprehend the historical development of musical style in western culture in relation to political, economic, social and religious developments and values of various periods in history.