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.