Dept. Code: MSJ
The Department of Studio Music and Jazz includes two programs, instrumental and vocal.
Introduction
The mission of the Studio Music and Jazz Performance Program is to:
- Prepare jazz instrumentalists to enter the music profession or graduate school.
- Identify, recruit, and retain high quality students who seek to pursue studio/jazz performance as a career.
- Foster faculty creativity and performance which serves as a role model for students.
- Develop, and revise courses in jazz improvisation, jazz arranging/composition and provide on and off campus performance opportunities.
- Produce in our on campus facility, recordings for the Down Beat Student Music Awards, compact disks, radio and Internet broadcast.
- Provide a platform of learning that includes performance, composition/arranging, technology, conducting, scholarship and production.
Educational Objectives
- Students will develop musical performance skills necessary to make them competitive in the jazz world.
- Students will develop performance skills in a variety of large and small ensembles that allow a student to participate in the professional jazz world.
- Students will develop the skills necessary to play in a chamber setting emphasizing spontaneous interaction and improvisation.
- Students will develop the skills necessary to play in large jazz ensembles emphasizing the development of ensemble skills necessary in a reading situation.
- Students will perform a senior recital of sixty-minute duration that demonstrates their capabilities in the jazz idiom.
- Students will develop the skills necessary to arrange and compose in a variety of styles appropriate to the jazz and contemporary music field.
MSJ 101. Large Jazz Ensemble Placeholder. 1 Credit Hour.
Ensemble placeholder course for new students to enroll in before ensemble placement auditions during Frost Orientation. Please note, you will have to drop this course and enroll in your correct ensemble when receive your official ensemble placement from your studio professor.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 103. Jazz Piano I. 1 Credit Hour.
First level of four jazz piano courses that cover the rudiments of jazz piano, consisting of group instruction covering basic piano voicings, voice leading, and functional harmony at the keyboard. This series of courses will cover typical jazz chord progressions such as II V I in major and minor, as well as learning jazz standards using various approaches on the piano.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 104. Jazz Piano II. 1 Credit Hour.
Second level of four jazz piano courses that cover the rudiments of jazz piano, consisting of group instruction covering basic piano voicings, voice leading, and functional harmony at the keyboard. This series of courses will cover typical jazz chord progressions such as II V I in major and minor, as well as learning basic jazz standard using various approaches on the piano.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 107. Skills Lab I. 1 Credit Hour.
Chamber music performance of selected repertoire with a concentration in Bebop and the music of Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, and Thelonius Monk, along with secondary figures from the Bebop era, 1945-1955. Additional repertoire from a list of American standards will also be assigned. Class sessions will cover historical/stylistic performance practice, aural skills (transcription, analysis, sight-reading, etc.), and Jazz arranging for small ensembles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 108. Skills Lab II. 1 Credit Hour.
Chamber music performance of selected repertoire with a concentration in Jazz and popular music in America in the 1950's, including the repertoire of prominent popular music composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, and others. Class sessions will cover historical/stylistic performance practice, aural skills (transcription, analysis, sight-reading, etc.), and Jazz arranging for small ensembles.
Corequisite: MSJ 141.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 113. Jazz History I. 3 Credit Hours.
An overview of the musical styles and genres of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century leading to the development of Jazz music. Then an in-depth study of early Jazz in America and its innovators, including Louis Armstrong,Jelly Roll Morton, and Duke Ellington. Also, a survey of the major style periods of Modern Jazz from 1945 to the present, including prominent artists from each style period.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 124. Introduction to Jazz Improvisation. 3 Credit Hours.
Introduction to the harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic techniques of Jazz Improvisation.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 134. E.C.M. Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.
This ensemble performs music typical of the contemporary European jazz styles such as those characterized by the Edition of Contemporary Music (E.C.M.) Recording Company.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 136. Small Jazz Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.
Group instruction in the various styles of contemporary jazz. Students will acquire improvisational skills while learning repertoire and performance techniques and strengthen compositional and arranging skills by contributing original compositions and arrangements to the ensemble’s repertoire.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 137. Small Jazz Ensemble I. 1 Credit Hour.
This course is a continuation of MSJ136: Small Jazz Ensemble. Group instruction in the various styles of contemporary jazz. Students will acquire improvisational skills while learning repertoire and performance techniques and strengthen compositional and arranging skills by contributing original compositions and arrangements to the ensemble’s repertoire.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 139. Small Jazz Vocal Ensemble. 2 Credit Hours.
A group consisting of 1 to 6 vocalists and 3 to 6 instrumentalists to gain experience in jazz solo and ensemble performance in a small group setting. Exploration of traditional and contemporary jazz literature will be emphasized. Performance of original music by ensemble members is also encouraged.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 140. Experiential Musicianship I. 3 Credit Hours.
Experiential Musicianship I covers the fundamentals of jazz theory and performance. The class is keyboard based. Material includes the basics of melody, harmony and rhythm in the tradition of the jazz art form. Specific topics include chord construction, chord voicings, progressions, voice leading, rhythmic interpretation and aural recognition.
Co-requisite: MSJ 107 and must pass with a C or Higher.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 141. Experiential Musicianship II. 3 Credit Hours.
Experiential Musicianship II is a continuation of Exp. Mus. I. Material includes a more in depth study of chord/scale theory, polyrhythmic studies, expansion of keyboard skills via increasingly longer or complicated progressions, aural recognition and transcription.
Co-requisite: MSJ 108.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 143. Small Jazz Ensemble III. 1 Credit Hour.
Group instruction in the various styles of contemporary jazz. Students will acquire improvisational skills while learning repertoire and performance techniques, and strengthen compositional and arranging skills by contributing original compositions and arrangements to the ensemble's repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 144. Small Jazz Ensemble IV. 1 Credit Hour.
Group instruction in the various styles of contemporary jazz. Students will acquire improvisational skills while learning repertoire and performance techniques, and strengthen compositional and arranging skills by contributing original compositions and arrangements to the ensemble's repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 145. Small Jazz Ensemble V. 1 Credit Hour.
Group instruction in the various styles of contemporary jazz. Students will acquire improvisational skills while learning repertoire and performance techniques, and strengthen compositional and arranging skills by contributing original compositions and arrangements to the ensemble's repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 147. Small Jazz Ensemble VII. 1 Credit Hour.
Group instruction in the various styles of contemporary jazz. Students will acquire improvisational skills while learning repertoire and performance techniques, and strengthen compositional and arranging skills by contributing original compositions and arrangements to the ensemble's repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 150. Studio Jazz Band. 2 Credit Hours.
This ensemble performs music in the recent big band tradtion, from leaders such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Bob Brookmeyer, and Thad Jones. The group performs on campus with an emphasis on studio recording.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 151. Frost Jazz Orchestra. 2 Credit Hours.
The Frost Jazz Orchestra is the premiere big band at the Frost School of Music. Students are required to perform at an advanced level, and work with a variety of guest artists. Requirements include the ability to sight read difficult material, and to improvise in various styles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 153. Jazz Band III. 1 Credit Hour.
Big Band designed for freshmen and sophomores to gain experience with classic Big Band repetory.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 156. Funk/Fusion Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.
Small jazz ensemble focusing on contemporary electric jazz/rock/fusion/Latin styles. Emphasis is placed on original compositions by the members of the ensemble. The most common instrumentation is bass, drums, piano/synthesizer, guitar, and saxophone.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 158. Frost Sextet. 1 Credit Hour.
An advanced ensemble dedicated to the performance of original and standard repertoire in the jazz idiom.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 159. Rhythm and Blues Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.
Mid-level ensemble for both instrumentalists and vocalists designed to familiarize students with classic Rhythm and Blues material from the 50's,60's, and 70s, while preparing for a series of concerts throughout the semester. Students are guided through the process of putting a working band together and preparing it for performances and recordings, including what is expected of and from instruments, vocalists, producers, promoters, and other industry personnel.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 162. Jazz Saxophone Ensemble. 1 Credit Hour.
An ensemble dedicated to the study of jazz and contemporary repertoire for the saxophone Quartet/quintet. Skills addressed include sight-reading, intonation and blend, phrasing, rhythmic Accuracy, may include rhythm section accompaniment depending on availability.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 164. Contemporary Rhythm Section Techniques I. 1 Credit Hour.
Introduces students to various styles of rhythm section playing--from swing and modern Jazz through Rock, Funk, R&B, and other commercial styles of music. Concepts of sound, groove, balance and blend, repertory, and accompaniment are also discussed.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 167. Latin Jazz Orchestra. 1 Credit Hour.
An ensemble of instrumentalists and singers performing a wide variety of Salsa and Latin jazz styles with emphasis on improvisation.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 169. Jazz Guitar Ensemble I. 1 Credit Hour.
A small instrumental ensemble comprised of five electric guitars which perform with bass and drums in a wide variety of contemporary jazz styles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 170. Jazz Guitar Ensemble II. 1 Credit Hour.
A small instrumental ensemble comprised of five electric guitars which perform with bass and drums in a wide variety of contemporary jazz styles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 171. Jazz Guitar Ensemble III. 1 Credit Hour.
A small instrumental ensemble comprised of five electric guitars which perform with bass and drums in a wide variety of contemporary jazz styles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 195. Jazz Vocal Ensemble I. 2 Credit Hours.
A choir of 12 to 16 voices, with rhythm section, which perform a wide variety of jazz and pop styles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 196. Jazz Vocal Ensemble II. 2 Credit Hours.
A choir of 12 to 16 voices, with rhythm section, which perform a wide variety of jazz and pop styles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: ENS.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 203. Jazz Piano III. 1 Credit Hour.
Third level of four jazz piano courses that cover the rudiments of jazz piano, consisting of group instruction covering basic piano voicings, voice leading, and functional harmony at the keyboard. This series of courses will cover typical jazz chord progressions such as II V I in major and minor, as well as learning basic jazz standard using various approaches on the piano.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 204. Jazz Piano IV. 1 Credit Hour.
Fourth level of four jazz piano courses that cover the rudiments of jazz piano, consisting of group instruction covering basic piano voicings, voice leading, and functional harmony at the keyboard. This series of courses will cover typical jazz chord progressions such as II V I in major and minor, as well as learning basic jazz standard using various approaches on the piano.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 207. Skills Lab III. 1 Credit Hour.
Chamber music performance of selected repertoire with a concentration in the mu sic of Miles Davis in the 1950's. Additional repertoire from a list of America n standards will also be assigned. Class sessions will cover historical/stylis tic performance practice, aural skills (transcription, analysis, sight-reading, etc.) and Jazz arranging for small ensembles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 208. Skills Lab IV. 1 Credit Hour.
Chamber music performance of selected repertoire from the Hard Bop period (1955 -1962) including Blue Note artists. Additional repertoire from a list of Ameri can standards will also be assigned. Class sessions will cover historical/styl istic performance practice, aural skills (transcription, analysis, sight-readin g, etc.) and Jazz arranging for small ensembles.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 213. Jazz History II. 3 Credit Hours.
An overview of the musical styles and genres of the middle and late twentieth century encompassing the evolution of Modern Jazz music including an in-depth study of each period of Modern Jazz and its innovators. Also included is a survey of the major style periods of Rock music from 1945 to the present with prominent artists from each style period.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 220. Basic Drumset Styles and Techniques (Part 1). 3 Credit Hours.
This course explores the basic sticking, swing, backbeat drumset techniques, basic world drumset styles, and chart reading.
Requisites: Undergrad Music Students Only and Dean's Approval and Signature.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 240. Experiential Musicianship III. 3 Credit Hours.
Experiential Musicianship III continues to build on skills acquired in the previous two semesters. Material includes continued development of keyboard skills and aural recognition through expansion of repertoire, modal and non-dominant/tonic harmonic schemes, bass lines and counterpoint, harmonization of melodies, and re-harmonization of basic progressions and transcription.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 241. Experiential Musicianship IV. 3 Credit Hours.
Experiential Musicianship IV culmination of the four level sequence. Students are expected to understand and aurally recognize advanced harmonic, melodic, and rhythmic material. New material may include Latin and other straight-eight rhythms, multi-voice counterpoint, advanced re-harmonization, and improvising at the keyboard. Keyboard skills run concurrent with Jazz Arranging II techniques (MSJ520).
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 242. Jazz Percussion Techniques. 1 Credit Hour.
Group instruction in jazz, contemporary, and ethnic drumset/percussion techniques with emphasis on basic skills for performance and recording. Additionally, appropriate teaching techniques, methods, and materials necessary for public school pedagogy will be covered. Course may be repeated for credit.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 3. Jazz Forum. 1 Credit Hour.
Course is for undergraduate jazz students for performance, master classes, clinics presented by students, faculty and guest artists.
Requisite: MSJI_BM or MSJV_BM.
Components: FOR.
Grading: CNC.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 320. Basic Drumset Styles and Techniques (Part 2). 1 Credit Hour.
This course is a continuation of MSJ 220. It explores advanced sticking, swing, backbeat drum set techniques, advanced world drum set styles, and chart reading.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 342. Technology Skills. 3 Credit Hours.
Recording projects combining acoustic instruments with software based instruments in a Digital Audio Workstation. Studio recording techniques including microphone placement will be demonstrated in a lab environment. Projects will be based on student compositions and/or arrangements. Post production will include mixing, mastering and CD manufacturing.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 371. Jazz Improvisation I. 2 Credit Hours.
Fundamentals of jazz harmony with emphasis on simple chord progressions, altered scales, and modes.
MSJI and MSJV majors only.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 372. Jazz Vocal Improvisation I. 3 Credit Hours.
Fundamentals of jazz harmony with emphasis on complex harmonic progressions and tunes.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 381. Jazz Pedagogy and Conducting. 3 Credit Hours.
This course provides practical procedures and materials for beginning instrumental conducting students with an emphasis on the direction of large jazz ensembles.
Prerequisite: MSJ 241 and Requisite: MSJI or MSJV Majors.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 430. Applied Jazz Instruction. 1-2 Credit Hours.
Advanced private study in the jazz idiom. Topics may include improvisation, theory, and composition, at the discretion of the teacher. Students must have completed five semesters on the principal instrument. Permission of both course instructor and principal instrument teacher/advisor required.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 431. Applied Jazz Instruction 2. 1-2 Credit Hours.
Advanced private study in the jazz idiom. Topics may include improvisation, theory, and composition, at the discretion of the teacher. Students must have completed five semesters on the principal instrument. Permission of both course instructor and principal instrument teacher/advisor required.
Prerequisite: MSJ 430.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 493. Special Projects in Studio Music and Jazz. 1-3 Credit Hours.
Advanced individual instruction pertaining to faculty member’s area expertise and student’s area of interest. This course includes a culminating project.
Components: IND.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.
MSJ 494. Special Topics in Studio Music and Jazz. 1-3 Credit Hours.
Advanced group/classroom instruction pertaining to faculty to faculty member’s expertise and students’ areas of interest.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.
MSJ 499. Senior Recital. 1 Credit Hour.
A public recital of one hour or more. Course is required of all performance majors.
Components: PRA.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Offered by Announcement Only.
MSJ 509. Jazz Composition I. 3 Credit Hours.
Study of advanced composition techniques as applied to the Jazz idiom, making extensive use of analysis of established compositions and compositional methods. Both the individual and interactive characteristics of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form will be stressed.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 516. Jazz Vocal Arranging. 3 Credit Hours.
Analysis and techniques of jazz vocal writing.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 519. Introduction to Composition and Arranging. 3 Credit Hours.
Introduction to advanced arranging and composition for the Jazz and studio ensemble.
Prerequisite: MSJ 241.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 520. Advanced Modern Arranging II. 3 Credit Hours.
Advanced arranging and composition for the Jazz and studio ensemble.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Spring.
MSJ 522. Introduction to Midi Sequencing and Digital Workstations. 2 Credit Hours.
An introduction to Midi Sequencing with hands-on experience working with a computer sequencing workstation. Topics include sequencing, quantizing, editing, mixing, and effects processing.
Components: LAB.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall.
MSJ 565. Advanced Improvisation I. 3 Credit Hours.
Exploration of advanced Jazz improvisation performance and practice techniques. Utilization of non-traditional harmonic motion, advanced chord scale relationships, and motivic development will be stressed, with the goal of musicality in improvisation. Enrollment open to senior or graduate MSJ majors (or with permission of instructor).
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 566. Advanced Improvisation II. 3 Credit Hours.
Refinement of improvisation concepts leading towards the establishment of a personal style of playing. Open only to senior or graduate majors in Studio Music and Jazz.
Components: LEC.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ 593. Special Projects in Studio Music and Jazz. 1-3 Credit Hours.
Advanced individual instruction pertaining to faculty member’s area expertise and student’s area of interest. This course includes a culminating project.
Components: IND.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.
MSJ 594. Special Topics in Studio Music and Jazz. 1-3 Credit Hours.
Advanced group/classroom instruction pertaining to faculty to faculty member’s expertise and students’ areas of interest.
Components: SEM.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, & Summer.
MSJ JB1. Jazz Bass. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Basic techniques, sight-reading. Major, minor, diminished, and whole tone scales. Chord structure and analysis. Bass line construction, basis of walking lines. Voice leading for bass lines and improvisation. Etudes and studies in all styles. Repertoire: Standards and Jazz.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JB3. Jazz Bass. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Previous materials in addition to advanced harmonic applications. Expanding traditional improvisational vocabulary. Creating original vocabulary.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JBS. Secondary Jazz Bass. 1 Credit Hour.
1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Basic techniques, sight-reading. Major, minor, diminished, and whole tone scales. Chord structure and analysis. Bass line construction, basis of walking lines. Voice leading for bass lines and improvisation. Etudes and studies in all styles. Repertoire: Standards and Jazz.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JD1. Jazz Drumset. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Sticking technique, basic hand/foot patterns. Analysis of styles, history of drum set. Rhythm section interaction. Basic transcription, chart reading.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JD3. Jazz Drumset. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Advanced jazz styles and comping, odd note groupings, advanced chart reading, advanced hand/foot patterns.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JDS. Secondary Jazz Drumset. 1 Credit Hour.
1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Sticking technique, basic hand/foot patterns. Analysis of styles, history of drum set. Rhythm section interaction. Basic transcription, chart reading.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JG1. Jazz Guitar. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Left and right hand development. Basic fretboard theory including arpeggios, voice leading (2 string studies), blues and bebop scales. Accompanying: 3-note voicings. Introduction to transcription. Application of the concepts studied to basic repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JG3. Jazz Guitar. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Works by Bach, Galbraith and others. Building of standard/jazz repertoire including works by Arlen, Porter, Kern, Parker, Ellington, etc. Improvisation and harmonic studies based on the foregoing. Eartraining as required. Use of Jamey Aebersold play-along series.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JGS. Secondary Jazz Guitar. 1 Credit Hour.
1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Left and right hand development. Basic fretboard theory including arpeggios, voice leading (2 string studies), blues and bebop scales. Accompanying: 3-note voicings. Introduction to transcription. Application of the concepts studied to basic repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JP1. Jazz Piano. 2 Credit Hours.
Students will expand and refine application of fundamental chord voicings, chord-scale relationships, be-bop and blues vocabulary, and develop a strong rhythmic base. Solo piano and ensemble/accompaniment formats will be addressed. Technique will be evaluated to identify areas in need of improvement. Methods will include: transcription, analysis, composition of single lines and arrangements, tune learning, and various improvisation exercises.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JP3. Jazz Piano. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technique: Selected exercises from the Dohnanyi or Pishna exercise books. Augmented scales and modes of major in all keys, in both hands and in at least two octaves with a swing (triplet) subdivision. Introduction to modal harmony and sideslipping through study of plateau modal compositions (tunes with long sections of the same modality.) Pentatonic scales in all keys. Literature: Blues in the stride solo piano format. Analysis and transcription of artists who played in this style such as Tatum, Johnson, Smith, and Peterson. Memorization of at least two tunes per lesson in at least three key centers, at least 75% of which should be tunes in the "American standard" format featuring composers such as Berlin, Porter, Kahn, Gershwin, etc. All of the above to be performed both with bass accompaniment and in solo piano format with sections in stride style. Introduction to the Bill Evans piano style through performance of his transcribed piano pieces.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JPS. Secondary Jazz Piano. 1 Credit Hour.
Students enroll in 1 credit and receive one 30-min lesson per week. Students will expand and refine application of fundamental chord voicings, chord-scale relationships, be-bop and blues vocabulary, and develop a strong rhythmic base. Solo piano and ensemble/accompaniment formats will be addressed. Technique will be evaluated to identify areas in need of improvement. Methods will include: transcription, analysis, composition of single lines and arrangements, tune learning, and various improvisation exercises.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JS1. Jazz Saxophone. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz saxophone students. Technical Requirements: Introduction to principals of saxophone acoustics; introduction to tone production, intonation, tonal color, and blend; basic technique, chords and scale studies; jazz phrasing; establishment of a "tune list" (repertoire); study of improvised Solos through transcription; major scales full range, thirds, diatonic seventh chords in level A and in level B, melodic minor scales full range, thirds, diatonic seventh chords.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JS3. Jazz Saxophone. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz saxophone students. Technical Requirements: Continuation of tone and technique as needed; augmented scale; rhythmic exercises from drum methods; continue extended range studies; a cappella improvisation; studies in melodic/rhythmic development.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ JSS. Secondary Jazz Saxophone. 1 Credit Hour.
1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Introduction to principals of saxophone acoustics; introduction to tone production, intonation, tonal color, and blend; basic technique, chords and scale studies; jazz phrasing; establishment of a "tune list" (repertoire); study of improvised Solos through transcription; major scales full range
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ TB1. Jazz Trombone. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz trombone students. Technical Requirements: Daily routine/classical etudes. Major, melodic minor, diminished scales, Dorian and Mixolydian modes, dominant 7th arpeggios, minor 7th arpeggios. All major and minor 3rds followed by respective dominant 7ths.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ TB3. Jazz Trombone. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz trombone students. Technical Requirements: Previous material, in addition to standard tunes (2 per week). 251 licks in major and minor. Diminished patterns.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ TBS. Secondary Jazz Trombone. 1 Credit Hour.
1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Daily routine/classical etudes. Major, melodic minor, diminished scales, Dorian and Mixolydian modes, dominant 7th arpeggios, minor 7th arpeggios. All major and minor 3rds followed by respective dominant 7ths.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ TP1. Jazz Trumpet. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz trumpet students. Technical Requirements: Concentration on basic trumpet skills, utilizing the Arbans and Clarke technical studies book. Proper breathing techniques. Major and diminished whole tone scales. Jazz tonguing. Standard jazz repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ TP3. Jazz Trumpet. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz trumpet students. Technical Requirements: Continuation of range studies in addition to advanced etudes such as Bitsch and Charlier. Advanced jazz repertoire. Diminished and augments scales. Studio techniques.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ TPS. Secondary Jazz Trumpet. 1 Credit Hour.
1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirements: Concentration on basic trumpet skills, utilizing the Arbans and Clarke technical studies book. Proper breathing techniques. Major and diminished whole tone scales. Jazz tonguing. Standard jazz repertoire.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ VB1. Jazz Vibraphone. 2 Credit Hours.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ VB3. Jazz Vibraphone. 2 Credit Hours.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ VBS. Secondary Jazz Vibraphone. 1 Credit Hour.
Secondary lessons at the undergraduate level are designed for students who are either non-performance majors or who wish to pursue applied study on an instrument or voice that is not their primary focus. Students enroll in 1 credit and receive one 30-min lesson per week.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ VO1. Jazz Voice. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz voice students. Technical Requirement: Warm-ups, Cool downs and introductory exercises for breath management. Attack in phonation, registration, resonance, articulation, coordination, microphone technique, key selection and vocal hygiene and maintenance. Repertoire: 25 Songs: 6 swing, 6 traditional ballad, 5 bossa/samba, 2 blues/funk, contemporary ballad, 4 student choice.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ VO3. Jazz Voice. 2 Credit Hours.
1-hour lesson and 50 minute studio class for jazz voice students. Repertoire: 15 Songs, continuation of standard repertoire at more advance and complex level, including bebop, original material, modal tunes and selections of harmonic and melodic complexity with improvisation.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
MSJ VOS. Secondary Jazz Voice. 1 Credit Hour.
1-hour lesson for students enrolled for 2 credits. 1/2-hour lesson for students enrolled for 1 credit. Technical Requirement: Warm-ups, Cool downs and introductory exercises for breath management. Attack in phonation, registration, resonance, articulation, coordination, microphone technique, key selection and vocal hygiene and maintenance. Repertoire: 25 Songs: 6 swing, 6 traditional ballad, 5 bossa/samba, 2 blues/funk, contemporary ballad, 4 student choice.
Requisite: Frost School of Music only.
Components: LSN.
Grading: GRD.
Typically Offered: Fall & Spring.
