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MUSC 364
JAZZ ENSEMBLE METHODS

Catalog Entry

MUSC 364. Jazz Techniques I. (1 – 2cr.)

Three hours lecture/laboratory. Prerequisite: MUSC 112 or permission of instructor.

Development of skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of performing and improvising in the jazz idiom. Provides an overview of the methods and materials necessary for the development of high school/middle school jazz ensemble programs.  Topics include Jazz styles and phrasing, jazz theory, ensemble directing skills, pedagogical techniques and development of improvisation through listening, analysis, transcription and performance. At least four hours of observation/participation in public school music classes are required.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

This course focuses on the following:

• Overview of the history and development of jazz music.
• Development of a philosophy of jazz education.
• Development of an understanding of jazz styles.
• Survey of appropriate literature and materials for middle school and high school jazz ensembles.
• The development of a planned course of study for a middle school and/or high school jazz ensemble program.
• Rehearsal techniques for the jazz ensemble.
• The development of personal competency in improvisation including:
  • The understanding of chord symbol notation.
  • Knowledge of the scales and modes commonly used in improvisation.
  • The understanding of chord/scale applications.
  • The demonstration
  • The demonstration of multiple and varied techniques in improvisation.
  • The teaching of improvisation to students in school jazz ensembles.
• Use of technology for playing, recording, arranging and teaching within the jazz medium.
• Advocacy for the inclusion of Jazz curricula and the benefits of music
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Education
  • Copyright
  • Use of technology
  • Other issues related to teaching

   

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

The course includes reading and listening assignments, discussion, lecture, papers, class presentations, micro-teaching, and exams – both performance-based and written.

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

At the conclusion of the course, the student will:

• Discuss the historical development of jazz.
• Articulate a philosophy of jazz education.
• Analyze the characteristics of different jazz styles.
• Describe procedures for selecting appropriate literature for the school jazz ensemble.
• Develop a planned course of study for a middle school and/or high school jazz ensemble program.
• Demonstrate effective rehearsal techniques and procedures for instructing school jazz ensembles.
• Model methods for teaching improvisation to students.
• Understand the technology available in the playing, recording, arranging and teaching within the jazz medium
• Advocate for the jazz program in the public school as an important and  necessary curricular strand and a uniquely American art form
• Articulate and understanding of the Legal and Ethical Issues in Education
• °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳ learned information and techniques to the National Standards for Arts Education (Music).
• °ÄÃÅÀÏÆæÈËÂÛ̳ learned information and techniques to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs).

 

Assessment Measures

Assessment will include oral and/or written tests, projects, micro-teaching evaluations, homework and performance-based examinations.

 

Other Course Information

 

Approval and Subsequent Reviews

DATE ACTION REVIEWED BY
Revised April, 2009