The100A
Jazz Theory and Improvisation
3 units
A four-semester course covering jazz theory
and improvisation techniques and styles based
on the artistic practice of jazz masters, from the
early twentieth century innovations of Louis
Armstrong, to the contemporary artistry of Herbie
Hancock, and beyond. Students gain a solid
understanding of jazz theory and improvisation,
from the fundamentals to chord/scale theory,
soloing, reharmonization, and transcription and
analysis. Theoretical concepts are illustrated
by listening to select recordings of leading jazz
artists. This course lays important groundwork
critical in the development of individual style.
3 hours lecture

• The100B
  Jazz Theory and Improvisation
  3 units
  A continuation of Mus100A.
  
  
• The200A
  Jazz Theory and Improvisation
  3 units
  A continuation of Mus100B.
  
  
• The 200B
  Jazz Theory and Improvisation
  3 units
  A continuation of Mus200A.

The201
Form and Analysis of Jazz Standards
Elective — 2 units
A course in an ensemble format focusing on
form and analysis of jazz standards essential
to the professional musician.
Prerequisite: The100B
2 hours lecture / lab

The250
Traditional Indian Rhythmic Concepts
Elective — 1 unit
An in-depth exploration of traditional rhythmic
concepts from both the North and South Indian
systems of classical music. Through the medium
of vocal percussion syllables known as bols in
the North and solkattu in the South, students are
introduced to Indian rhythmic idioms such as
tala (rhythmic cycles), nadai (odd subdivisions
of the beat), layakari (rhythmic modulation), and
tihai (thrice-repeated cadential phrases used to
end a musical idea). Students learn traditional
Indian rhythmic compositions drawn from the
repertoire of classical Indian percussion instruments
such as tabla, mridangam, pakhawaj,
kanjira, ghatam, thavil, and morsing. Emphasis
is placed on pointing out the cross-cultural applications
of Indian rhythms to any instrument
and any style of music, enriching students’
compositional and improvisational skills.
3 hour lecture

The251
Traditional South Indian Rhythmic Concepts
Elective — 3 units
An in-depth exploration of traditional rhythmicconcepts
from the South Indian system of classical
music. Through the medium of vocal percussion
syllables known as solkattu, students are
introduced to Indian rhythmic idioms such as
tala (rhythmic cycles), nadai (odd subdivisions
of the beat), layakari (rhythmic modulation), and
mora (thrice-repeated cadential phrases used to
end a musical idea). Students learn traditional
Indian rhythmic compositions drawn from the
repertoire of classical Indian percussion instruments
such as tabla, mridangam, kanjira,
ghatam, thavil, and morsing. Emphasis is placed
on pointing out the cross-cultural applications of
Indian rhythms to any instrument and any style
of music, enriching students’ compositional and
improvisational skills
3 hours lecture / lab