Student Learning Outcomes - students will:

• know and be able to explain the basic principles of jazz/pop chord notation.
• have a working knowledge of the principle scales and modes used in jazz improvisation.
• know the melodies and chord progressions to selected standard tunes in the jazz repertory.
• be able to generate original "licks" or motivic ideas.
• be able to extract ideas from transcribed solos.
• have a system for teaching jazz improvisation to primary or secondary music students.

Students will demonstrate this knowledge both through written quizzes/tests and playing quizzes/tests as assigned by the instructor.

General Class Requirements:

• Class preparation - as with any skill development, regular practice is essential to mastery. It is expected that students will practice 20-30 minutes per day.
• Demonstration, lecture, and repetition of material will make up a significant portion of the course content; attendance, therefore, is extremely important and will be reflected in the student's grade.
  • Absences may be excused at the discretion of the instructor. The student must make every reasonable effort to let the instructor know about the absence prior to class time; if this is not possible, the student must contact the instructor within 24 hours after the start of class in order for the absence to be excused. Each unexcused absence after the first will result in a reduction of the grade for the class by 10% of the total possible points (essentially one letter grade).
  • Students who arrive after class has begun are considered to be tardy. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure that the instructor has noted their attendance. Two unexcused tardies will equal one unexcused absence.
• Students should be prepared to sing or play prepared exercises or new material at each class unless the instructor informs the class otherwise.

Grading:

• The percentages for grades in this potion of the class are:

  • 90-100 - A.
  • 80-89 - B.
  • 70-79 - C.
  • 60-69 - D.
  • 59 or below - F.
• Given the exploratory nature and "lab" orientation of the class, assignments and - to a certain extent - quizzes and tests will be given based on the needs and direction of the class. I will do my best to keep assignments posted on the assignments page of the class web site, but the way to be certain is to be present at class for announcements. Please note that students are responsible for announcements made in class whether or not they are present.
• Anticipated items for grading include:
  • a test over chord notation (and possibly scales) worth 50 points.
  • a midterm exam worth 100 points, on or about March 2.
  • a transcription assignment, worth around 100 points.
  • a final exam worth 100 points.
  • various assignments and quizzes, each worth about 25-50 points. I anticipate a maximum of about 5 of these.

Important Dates:

• 1/17 - Academic holiday (ML King Day)
• 2/11- no class (KMEA)
• 3/4 - the deadline for the instructor to post mid-term grades
• 3/7-11 - Spring Break
• 4/29 - last day of classes
• 5/6 (Friday) - Final Exam (8:00-10:00AM)

Last Dates to Drop the Course:

• add/drop the course - 1/17.
• withdraw without fee assessed - 2/06.
• withdraw, fee assessed and permission required - 3/18.