Improvisation in the Jazz Tradition

3 credits · Undergraduate

Theory and practical experience in the art of musical improvisation, through study and internalization of the Black American music known as jazz. This is a class for acquiring knowledge and skills necessary for improvising in the jazz tradition, with the goal of creating a personal and ensemble language. Areas of study include transcription, harmonic analysis, melodic research, and composition. We will study the work of practitioners from across the history of jazz, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Mary Lou Williams, Thelonious Monk, Sun Ra, and Steve Lacy. Open to both music majors and non-majors by audition at the start of term.