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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
MUSID048B
Course Title (CB02)
Jazz Improvisation II
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
Further development of improvisational skill in the jazz idiom. Higher level of difficulty in analysis of scales, chords, and forms applicable to improvisational performance of intermediate level jazz songs. Ear training and transcribing solos included. Participation in a final recital is required.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
DA - Class Applied Performance - Jazz and Non-Western

Course Justification

This course is accepted at all CSUs and UCs, especially for Jazz Studies music majors and also accepted toward an AA degree. Intermediate improvisational skills are needed by music students for performance in most musical styles.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Formerly Statement
(Formerly MUSI D068B.)

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to both UC and CSU

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
1.5
Maximum Credit Units
1.5

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours1.02.0
Laboratory Hours2.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
12.0
Laboratory
24.0
Total
36.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
24.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
24.0

Prerequisite(s)

MUSI D048A or by instructor consent

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

ESL D261. and ESL D265., or ESL D461. and ESL D465., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Lecture/demonstration with student application

Mid-term performance feedback form peers and instructor

Assignments

  1. Daily practice and prepartation of melodies, scales, and improvisation with CD's accompanying textbook
  2. Practice more difficult patterns,sequences, and transcribed motifs by ear with Cd's accompanying textbook
  3. Preparation for mid-term and final exam/performances

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Mid-term performance/exam evaluated for melodic accuracy, scale knowledge, and improvisational skill
  2. Final performance/exam evaluated for scale knowledge, improvisational skill, rhythmic feel, demonstration of patterns and sequences, and logical introductions and ending to performed songs

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Personally owned instrument and CD/Ipod player (some college owned instruments and amplifiers are available)
Essential College Facilities:
  • Adequate rehearsal hall
  • Music stands, chairs, and lockers
  • Piano, drum set, microphones, and amplifiers
  • Adequate jazz library of sheet music containing standard jazz songs, and recordings of outstanding performances
  • Recording and playback facilities

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Sher, Chuck. "Real Easy Book," Volumes I, II, III. Petaluma, CA : Sher Music Co., 2013
Aebersold, Jamey.: "Killer Joe" Vol. 70. New Albany, IN. Jamey Abersold Jazz, Inc., 1996.

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
Levine, Mark. "The Jazz Theory Book". Petaluma, CA: Sher Music Co., 1992.
Coker, Jerry. "Jazz Improvisation". Engelwood Cliffs, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1964.
Supplementary sheet music materials.

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Develop theoretical knowledge of improvisational techniques
  • Participate in artistic performance of intermediate works of jazz literature, including Bebop and Afro-Cuban rhythmic styles
  • Develop ear training through practice of more advanced patterns and sequences over given chord progressions

CSLOs

  • Demonstrate accurate performances of Bebop and Afro-Cuban while observing correct forms, introductions, and endings to given songs.

  • Demonstrate knowledge of altered and diminished scales using patterns and sequences through performance.

Outline

  1. Develop theoretical knowledge of improvisational techniques
    1. Add the use of sevenths and ninths to all major, minor, augmented, diminished, and half-diminished chords
    2. Apply lydian mode and altered and diminished scales in all twelve keys to above-mentioned chords
  2. Participate in artistic performance of intermediate works of jazz literature, including Bebop and Afro-Cuban rhythmic styles
    1. Develop Bebop swing feel through use of the Bebop scale
    2. Develop idiomatic improvised motifs using even eight note Afro-Cuban Rhythms
    3. Rehearse introductions and tag endings to given jazz standards
  3. Develop ear training through practice of more advanced patterns and sequences over given chord progressions
    1. Practice patterns and sequences using the altered and diminished scales over assigned chord progressions
    2. Transcribe musical motifs and solos by major artists on each instrument by ear

Lab Topics

  1. Practice improvisation using sevenths and ninths to all major, minor, augmented, diminished, and half-diminished chords
  2. Practice patterns and sequences using the altered and diminished scales over assigned chord progressions
  3. Rehearse for final performance with large and/or small ensembles.
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