CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC Course Title: MU 316 Advanced

UNIVERSITY, POMONA Jazz Improvisation

Date of Preparation: August 23, 1998

Prepared by: David Grasmick, edited

and revised by Donald Ambroson

Reviewed by: David Kopplin, 2007

COURSE OUTLINE

I. Catalogue Description

MU 316 Advanced Jazz Improvisation (1 unit)

II. Required Background or Experience

Traditional and contemporary techniques of improvisation. Basic and advanced chords,

keys, and scales are emphasized through melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic applications.

Total credit limited to 6 units. 2 hours lecture/presentation/problem solving. Prerequisite:

MU 116 or consent of instructor.

III. Expected Outcomes

Students will achieve an:

1. Ability to recognize and aesthetically evaluate various jazz styles

2. Improved competency and capacity to improvise creatively on an instrument in various

styles

3. Ability to recognize different patterns of improvisation used by members of the class.

IV. Text and Readings

Jazz Improvisation, New Sounds in Modern Music, NY (text), D. Baker Music

Workshop

Down Beat Magazine, Maher Publications, Chicago, Ill.

Jerry Coker. Patterns for Jazz.

V. Minimum Student Materials

Textbook, notebook(s), music manuscript paper and instrument.

VI. Minimum College Facilities

A classroom with audiovisual equipment, chalkboard lined for musical examples, piano,

desk chairs and stands.

VII. Course Outline

1. Examination of jazz styles through recording and written musical examples.

2. Brief review of keys, chords and related scales and modes.

3. Brief review of rhythmic concepts related to the jazz idiom

4. Exploration of improvisation within selected jazz styles

VIII. Instructional Methods

1. Lecture

2. Demonstration and use of audiovisual presentation of improvisation approaches.

3. Class participation and presentations.

IX. Evaluation of Outcomes

1. Weekly graded demonstration of results of explorations in improvisation.

2. Final exam to be an improvisation project created by student and instructor.