Undergraduate Jazz Curriculum

In Chasin' the Sound: Learning Jazz Improvisation through Historical Models, authors Brian Levy (Director of Jazz Studies at SDSU) and Keith Waters use solos by famous jazz musicians to outline a melodic and rhythmic vocabulary of jazz improvisation. In contrast to mainstream approaches based on rote memorization and generic chord/scale pedagogies, Chasin' the Sound encourages hands-on learning with activities that highlight the intangible yet key aesthetics of sound, groove, and feel. By studying jazz fundamentals alongside well-known examples of those fundamentals in practice, students and instructors will gain a broader and more meaningful understanding of the art of improvisation.

"What sets jazz apart from other music is its rhythm and feel. This book does such a masterful job at showcasing the elements that are essential to this music. The detail and explanations make it accessible to all who want to improvise. The relationship between soloist and rhythm section is highlighted in the transcriptions that are in the book. This book is a knockout!!!" -- Jerry Bergonzi, World-renowned jazz saxophonist and educator