curriculum
Elements of Jazz
Elements of Jazz
Elements of Jazz I
Open to Music Majors and Minors Only. (10041, 10051, 10052)
Prerequisites: Music 155A, 156A, 157A—155B, 156B, 157B
Objectives: It is the purpose of this class to introduce the student to the creative language of jazz via the study of chord voicings, harmonic and melodic analysis, ear training, and improvisational concepts. Contrafact compositions in the be bop style will be used for exposition.
Instructor: Rick Helzer
Meeting Times: MW 4:00-5:00pm
Student Resources:
Elements of Jazz II
Open to Music Majors and Minors Only. (10041, 10051, 10052)
Prerequisites:Two semesters of traditional music theory (1st year of CM), Elements of Jazz I, or comparable knowledge of subject.
Objectives: The genre of music known as Be Bop represents the innovations of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, Max Roach and Kenny Clarke. Elements of Jazz II extends and elaborates the principles that were introduced in Elements of Jazz I.
Instructor: Rick Helzer
Meeting Times: MW 4:00-5:00pm
Student Resources:
Elements of Jazz III
Open to Music Majors and Minors Only. (10041, 10051, 10052)
Prerequisites: Music 155A-157A, 155B-157B, Mus 166, Mus 266, or equivalent and demonstrable knowledge for transfer students via successful passing of placement exam.
Objectives: At this juncture in the Elements series, the theory studies will be directed towards the late bop (1957-1959) and early post bop (1960-1963) harmonic and improvisational vocabularies. The ear training studies will cover more chromatically enhanced melodies and more complex harmonic structures.
Instructor: Rick Helzer
Meeting Times: MW 5:00-6:00pm
Student Resources:
Elements of Jazz IV
Open to Music Majors and Minors Only. (10041, 10051, 10052)
Prerequisites: Mus 166, Mus 266, and Mus 366 in addition to two semesters of traditional music theory (1st year of CM).
Objectives: In this final segment of the Elements series the course will cover post bop (1963-1970) melodic, harmonic and rhythmic vocabulary (i.e., Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ritchie Beirach, Kenny Wheeler, etc.,).
Instructor: Rick Helzer
Meeting Times: MW 5:00-6:00pm
