Advanced Jazz Improvisation I

Catalog description

Jazz has borrowed from a myriad of cultures, taking the best of what those cultures have to offer and infusing them into the blues, soul and rhythm of jazz. Complex European harmonies, South American rhythm, extended forms, are just a few of the tools that have prompted the expansion of America's indigenous music. During this course, students will be exposed to various pieces and artists that have contributed to the contemporary sound of jazz. We will also explore various harmonic devices and rhythmic concepts that have and are influencing much of today's jazz music. Through study of these modern concepts and composers, students will be able to perform music that is on the cutting edge of jazz and will further prepare them to perform with today's jazz musician. Prerequisite course: Jazz Improvisation I and II and approval of instructor.