Introduction to Music Theory
This course covers the basic skills needed to begin any serious study of music. Topics include: music notation, time signatures, 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, Sandy Feldstein, and Jazz Improvisation: A Pocket Guide by Dan Haerle (available at Jazzschool Books and Records).
Wednesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm
10 weeks (1/25 – 3/28)
dave scott $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 song 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. Required text: Jazz Improvisation: A Pocket Guide by Dan Haerle (available at Jazzschool Books and Records).
Prerequisites: facility on an instrument and knowledge of major scales. Please note: limit 2 pianists. Vocalists are welcome.
Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/25 – 3/28)
dave scott $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, this 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 10 – 11:30 am
10 weeks (1/14 – 3/17)
mark levine $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, 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
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Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm
10 weeks (1/12 – 3/15)
kasey knudsen $365
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Music Transcription Techniques
Sunday February 19, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
bob karty
Background Music — The Life and Music of Lennie Tristano
Sunday February 19, 2 – 4 pm
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Playing the Heck out of The Days of Wine and Roses
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Coltrane’s Harmony
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