Live demonstrations of jazz style are performed on a variety of instruments on a weekly basis. Students in this course learn about jazz culture as it evolved from blues, spiritual songs and interpretive dances. The influence of the African migration, the Creole society, and European formal structures form the basis for the investigation of jazz music in American culture. Gender context is addressed through the biographical study of jazz artists. Students' creative projects are performed in class, and are accompanied by a short paper.
Students also write reflective analysis papers on at least two jazz performances outside of class.
Offered each semester. To investigate cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression in jazz through historical study and biographical information on its major contributors. To engage in reflective analysis of one's own artistic expression and the expression of others in the jazz medium. The outline of the text will be followed closely regarding historical development of jazz styles and the major performers in each period. Emphasis will be placed on live demonstrations of these styles by the instructor and selected musicians.