To give the student a comprehensive understanding of different styles of Jazz by studying the characteristics, cataloging, and applying the information in both improvisation and performance. This course will give a detailed insight into each era of Jazz and will explore top figures, compositions, performances, and improvisations of those eras. The Creative Improviser , Scott Reeves Musical examples will be derived from the Smithsonian Collection of Classic Jazz and other landmark albums. Weekly assignments will be given as new characteristics and principles are discussed in class. The primary focus of the assignments will be transcription, analysis, and performance in the appropriate styles.
All transcriptions are to be written out in musical notation, by hand or notation software.
There will be no examination in this class. This will be further discussed in class. Attendance of all classes expected. Three absences from class will result in lowering the final grade by one letter. Any extenuating curcumstances must be immediately discussed with Thomas Wolfe.