Introduction to Music Theory

This course covers the basic skills needed to begin any serious study of music. Topics include: music notation (including time signatures and key signatures), rhythmic training, major scales, intervals, transposition, chord structure, harmonic progression, ear training and an introduction to musical form and composition.

Prerequisites: none. Open to all instrumentalists and vocalists. Required texts: Practical Theory Complete by Sandy Feldstein, Jazz Improvisation: A Pocket Guide by Dan Haerle (available in the Jazzschool Books & Records store).

Wednesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
DAVE SCOTT (10 weeks) $365

Beginning Theory & Improvisation

Never improvised? Comfortable with the blues scale but insecure with chord changes? Want to learn or solidify your knowledge of basic jazz theory? This hands-on class provides students with a friendly, supportive atmosphere in which to practice improvising. Starting with the blues, students progress to jazz standards, learning Major, minor and dominant scales and chords, playing at every session, trading licks, learning patterns and building solos. Students learn to identify tune forms and common chord progressions. Ideal for classical players or anyone aspiring to jam or perform with a jazz ensemble. Open to all melodic instruments, including pianists who want to focus on right hand soloing. Pianists are encouraged to take additional classes or lessons in comping and chord voicing. Required text: Jazz Improvisation: A Pocket Guide by Dan Haerle (available in the Jazzschool Books & Records store).

Prerequisite: facility on an instrument and knowledge of major scales.
Please note: limit 2 pianists; not for drummers or vocalists.

Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
DAVE SCOTT (10 weeks) $365

Jazz Theory & Improvisation

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of jazz theory and its application to improvisation and composition. Topics covered include chord/scale theory, 7th, 9th, 11th and 13th chords, harmonic progressions (chord changes), basic reharmonization, and form and analysis. In addition, course includes an explanation and demonstration of suspensions and “slash chords,” bebop and pentatonic scales, and blues and “rhythm” changes. Instructor also addresses advanced techniques of playing “outside the changes.” Stylistic analysis of the music of various jazz masters supplements theoretical material and guides students in applying this knowledge to improvisation. Handouts provided.

Prerequisites: knowledge of basic music theory, including basic chord construction and the ii-V-I chord progression.

Saturdays 1:30 – 3 pm
MARK LEVINE  (10 weeks)  $365

 

Improvising Eighth Note Lines

This class teaches students how to sound compelling and coherent when playing streams of eighth notes. Through discussion, homework and in-class performance, students learn the idiomatic techniques of bebop, coordination of rhythm and melody, harmonic tension and resolution, smooth transitions from chord to chord, non-linear elements and modern improvisational devices. Jazz theory often focuses on WHICH scales to use when; this course focuses on the details of HOW to use scales.

Prerequisites: facility on a pitched instrument or voice; some improvisation experience; and ability to play all major/ minor scales and arpeggios easily by memory. Open to all melodic instruments.

Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
ANTON SCHWARTZ (10 weeks) $365

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