Introduction to Improvisation

Catalog description

This is an introductory course in musical improvisation. Initial preparatory activities—including playing familiar tunes by ear, singing, call and response sequences, and ear training exercises—are designed to establish a sense of tonality, a sense of meter (rhythm), and “ear-hand coordination.” Basic aspects of jazz harmony, vocabulary, style, and literature are introduced during the latter part of the semester. This course is the first of a four-semester sequence in improvisation. May be repeated for credit with permission of department chairperson (or dean).