»MUS 219A Jazz Improvisation I

Course Objective:
Learn specific chord/scale relationships and fundamental techniques for improvisation including melodic development and idiomatic phrasing. Ear training skills (playing by ear) will also be emphasized.

Text:
"A Creative Approach to Jazz Improvisation" by Scott Reeves - available at the book store.

Course Outline:
1. Pentatonics (over major, minor, 7th chords) (A. Footprints/Equinox B. Little Sunflower)
2. Modes Dorian mode, Bebop scale (A. So What (Dorian Mode) In depth analysis of Mile's solo from "Kind of Blue", F play Mile's solo).
3. II-V-I Introduction to Dorian, Mixolydian, Ionian modes. A. Pent-up House Clifford Brown's solo
4. Blues (Blues Scale) (A. Things Ain't What They Used To Be B. Sunny Moon for Two C. Now's the Time D. Blues Walk E. Tenor Madness F. Lester Leaps In)
5. Altered scales: Use of melodic minor scales. Lydian Dominant, Super Locrian (Altered Scale) (A. Autumn Leaves B. All the Things You Are C. There Will Never Be Another You D. Solar)

A solo transcription will be due mid term. The solo will consist of a minimum of 4 choruses of blues or 2 choruses of a standard 32 bar form (approximately 50-70 bars). You may write out the solo (optional) or memorize it (optional). You must be able to perform the transcribed solo along with the original recording.

Grade components:
Assignments - 25% (Weekly performance including written assignments) Mid-Term - 25% (Playing exam covering materials from the first 8 weeks) Final - 25% (Playing and written exam to encompass material from the entire semester) Transcription - 25% (see "solo transcription" ) Attendance policy: Grade will be lowered 1/3 for every class missed over 10% of the total number of classes. You are allowed 3 "absents" before your grade will be affected. Class begins precisely at the top of the hour! You will be graded "absent" if you are more than 5 minutes late at the beginning of class or if you are consistently 1 to 5 minutes late (more than 5 times). Have your instrument out, warmed up and ready to play at the beginning of class!