MUJS Advanced Jazz Improvisation IV

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1 MUJS Advanced Jazz Improvisation IV Professor: Pat Coil Office: MU #272 Office Hours: T/TH 9:00-9:50am Office Phone: Class Times: Fall: T/TH 11:00-11:50am MU#262 Spring: M/W 10:00-10:50am MU#263-Lab Band East Prerequisite: Successful completion ( B or better) of MUJS 3360 Course Description: This is an interactive class, with much of the time spent playing. Lectures, discussions, student performances and critiques; as well as listening to and analyzing great improvisers are also part of the curriculum. My focus is to teach the solo as a spontaneous composition, as well as an extension of the emotion that the student wants to convey. Students will be videotaped during performances as a teaching tool, and it is advised that students tape themselves as often as possible while practicing, as well as critically listen to themselves. Students are expected to practice consistently and come to class prepared. Make certain to practice your own musical ideas as well as your transcriptions. The responsibility for doing the necessary work to develop and progress as an improvisor rests with the student. There is a set list, and a detailed syllabus. Students will also be analyzing and critiquing themselves; in addition to writing lead sheets, transcription, and an original composition. Course Objectives: To effectively help students with the process of learning, understanding, and becoming comfortable with the technical aspects of improvisation; while further developing the ability to reach outside the comfort zone. The ultimate goal is for students to experience the joy of improvisation and effectively communicate with their fellow musicians and the listener. Concepts to be explored: Composing melodic lines Singing solos Use of space Motivic development Outlining changes Structure of a solo Building a jazz vocabulary Ideas vs random notes Phrasing and dynamics Intervals and harmonic shapes Improv practice techniques Rhythm section interaction Developing a time feel Rhythmic interest Connecting with the listener

2 Students should use computer notation whenever possible. Otherwise, excellent print is required. Please remember, flexibility is key. Students will be playing with a variety of other instrumentalists during this class - there is no set instrumentation or set numbers. We work within the parameters of who is enrolled in the course at the time. Our final three weeks will be the final improvisation performance evaluations, and FIPE preparations. Attendance Policy: As a participant in this course, you are making a commitment to yourself, fellow musicians, and to me. All of my students are expected to practice, to be prepared, and to attend each scheduled class. Attendance is required. Please contact me if necessary: patrick.coil@unt.edu Excused absences are permitted with approval by the professor. Either the student or student s family must contact the professor via , phone, or in person as follows: * In the case of accident, illness or family emergency ~ within 48 hours after the absence. * In the case of a known absence, permission may be granted one week or more prior to the absence. *After two unexcused absences your grade will be lowered one letter grade. If you miss class for a valid reason, you are responsible for turning any missed assignments. Grading: 7 5% each = 35% 5 Playing 6% each = 30% Final playing evaluation = 35% Total possible = 100% Please Note: Jazz Studies majors must achieve an A or B to receive the credit towards your degree. Final Grade: A=100-90% B=89-80% C=79-70% D=69-60% F=59-0% Note: Syllabus is subject to change with notification.

3 MUJS Advanced Improv IV Spring 2017 Important Notice to all Improv IV students Consider the following to be an ongoing assignment: PRACTICE diligently - LISTEN carefully - and TAPE yourself whenever possible. Week 1: Wed. Jan Course Introduction - Overview of syllabus & schedule - Q & A Homework: Tune #1 - Fee Fi Fo Fum Write a lead sheet by ear from the Wayne Shorter recording (Speak No Evil). Week 2: Mon. Jan Analyze & play tune #1. Transcribe 2 choruses of one of the solos from the recording. Drummers write a solo on form. Wed. Jan Play tune #1. Be prepared to play and turn in transcriptions. Discussion: Outlining & Chromaticism Homework: Memorize tune #1. Write a 1 chorus solo. Week 3: Mon. Jan Play tune #1 from memory. Turn in homework. *Wed. Feb.1 - Play tune #1 in class for grade - videotaped in class. Homework: Tune #2 - Black Nile Write a lead sheet by ear from the Wayne Shorter recording (Night Dreamer). Listen to your video performance and fill out the tune #1 self-evaluation form (to be turned in). Week 4: Mon. Feb. 6 - Analyze & play tune #2. Turn in tune #1 self-evaluation. Transcribe 2 choruses of a solo from the recording. Drummers transcribe/orchestrate solo rhythms. Wed. Feb. 8 - Play tune #2. Be prepared to play and turn in transcriptions. Discussion: Space & Phrasing Homework: Memorize tune #2.

4 Week 5: Mon. Feb Play tune #2 from memory. Write a 1 chorus solo. *Wed. Feb Play tune #2 in class for grade - videotaped in class. Turn in assignment. Homework: Tune #3 - Falling Grace Write a lead sheet. Choose from recordings by one of these: (Bill Evans-Pat Metheny-Lyle Mays & Gary Burton.or?) Listen to your video performance and fill out the tune #2 self-evaluation form (to be turned in). Week 6: Mon. Feb Analyze & play tune #3. Turn in tune #2 self-evaluation. Write a contrafact on the changes. Wed. Feb Play Tune #3. Perform contrafacts. Discussion: Motifs Homework: Memorize tune #3. Week 7: Mon. Feb 27 - Play tune #3 from memory. Discussion: Intervals Record and transcribe 1 chorus of your solo, and fill out a self-evaluation (to be turned in). *Wed. Mar. 1 - Play tune #3 in class for grade - videotaped in class. Turn in your transcription self-evaluation. Homework: Tune #4 - Original Composition - Compose an original tune. Listen to your video performance and fill out the tune #3 self-evaluation form (to be turned in). Practice your original, provide charts if necessary, and prepare to perform it during the next two classes. Week 8: Mon. Mar. 6 - Play original compositions in class. Turn in tune #3 self-evaluation. Wed. Mar. 8 - Play original compositions in class. Homework: Tune #5 - You Don t Know What Love Is Write a lead sheet. Listen to the John Coltrane Ballads recording, and the Kenny Baron s live recording on YouTube. Spring Break - March Enjoy your break and continue to practice.

5 Week 9: Mon. Mar Analyze & play tune # 5. Transcribe either Kenny Baron s solo (YouTube - Kenny Baron - You Don t Know ) (or) John Coltrane s solo. Wed. Mar Play tune #5. Turn in solo transcription. Homework: Memorize tune. Week 10: Mon. Mar Play tune #5 from memory. *Wed. Mar Play tune #5 in class for grade - videotaped in class. Homework: Tune #6 - Lazy Bird Write a lead sheet by ear from the John Coltrane recording. Listen to your video performance of tune #5 and fill out the self-evaluation form (to be turned in). Week 11: Mon. April 3 - Analyze & play tune #6. Turn in tune #5 self-evaluation. Wed. April 5 - Play tune #6. Transcribe one of the solos. Week 12: Mon. April 10 - Play tune #6. Be prepared to perform and turn in transcription. Wed. April 12 - Play tune #6 in class for grade - videotaped in class. Homework: Listen to your video performance of tune #6 and fill out the self-evaluation form (to be turned in April 17). Week 13: PRACTICE Mon. April 17 & Wed. April 19 = Final playing evaluations for grade. Note: Tunes will be selected at random from the 5 tunes studied - excluding the original composition. Weeks 14 & 15: PRACTICE Mon.April 24 - Wed. April 26 - Mon. May 1 - Wed. May 3 = FIPE Preparation (Med., Ballad, Fast)

MUS122: Ear Training and Sight Singing II Spring 2017 M/W/F 11:00 11:50 am / 2:00 2:50 pm Fine Arts Center C100

MUS122: Ear Training and Sight Singing II Spring 2017 M/W/F 11:00 11:50 am / 2:00 2:50 pm Fine Arts Center C100 Instructor: Dr. Kirsten Volness Email: kvolness@uri.edu Graduate Assistant: Becca Jackson