A continuing study of the harmonic, rhythmic and timbrel practices of jazz and popular music idioms. Includes the composition of original pop songs and works for jazz combo and pop groups, and the analysis of examples from contemporary literature. The broad objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the basics of the theoretical components of jazz and pop music, an appreciation of different musical styles involved in jazz and pop composition and pop songwriting, tools for the development of composition and arranging skills for the jazz combo, pop music ensembles, and pop songs, and the development of a solid foundation for continued learning and writing in individual areas of special interest. The course work will consist of readings, in-class listening and participation, homework and analysis assignments, quizzes, a midterm project and examination, a final project which demonstrated the compositional and arranging skills developed throughout the semester, and a final examination. No late papers accepted.
Students are to be on time and stay for the entire performance.