MUSE 364
JAZZ TECHNIQUES
Catalog Entry
MUSE 364 – Jazz Techniques (1 cr.)
Two hours lecture/laboratory.
Prerequisites: Declared music education major. MUSC 112 or permission of instructor.
Co-requisites: MUSE 300 or MUSE 400: Field Experiences in Music
This course is designed for music education students to develop fundamental knowledge
and skills in performing, improvising, and directing in the jazz idiom and provides
an overview of the methods and materials necessary for the development of high school
and middle school jazz ensemble programs. Topics include: historical contexts of the
development of jazz as an art form; jazz styles, phrasing, and articulations; basic
jazz theory; ensemble directing skills; pedagogical techniques; and development of
basic improvisation skills through listening, analysis, transcription and performance.
Content
This course focuses on the following:
- overview of the history and development of jazz music
- development of an understanding of jazz styles
- survey of appropriate literature and materials for middle school and high school jazz
ensembles
- development of a planned course of study for a middle school and/or high school jazz
ensemble program
- rehearsal techniques for the jazz ensemble
- development of personal competency in improvisation including:
- knowledge of scales and modes commonly used in improvisation
- understanding chord/scale applications to jazz
- understanding chord symbol notation
- demonstration of multiple and varied improvisation techniques
- teaching improvisation to students in school jazz ensembles
- use of technology for playing, recording, arranging and teaching within the jazz medium.
- advocacy for the inclusion of jazz curricula and the benefits of music
- legal and ethical Issues in jazz education
- copyright
- use of technology
- other issues related to teaching.
Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
The course includes listening and reading assignments, lecture, discussion, class
presentations, micro-teaching, papers, and exams – both performance-based and written.
A pedagogical approach will be used so that the students will be able to teach others
what they learn. Students will engage in lesson planning, peer teaching, assessment,
and reflection for jazz instruction.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
At the conclusion of the course, the student will:
- discuss the historical development of jazz
- analyze the characteristics of different jazz styles
- describe procedures for selecting appropriate literature for the school jazz ensemble
- develop a planned course of study for a middle school and/or high school jazz ensemble
program
- apply the National Core Arts Standards for Education (Music) to learned information
and techniques for teaching jazz
- apply the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs - Music) to lesson plan writing for
jazz instruction
- demonstrate effective rehearsal techniques and procedures for instructing school jazz
ensembles
- model methods for teaching improvisation to students
- understand technology available in playing, recording, arranging, and teaching within
the jazz medium
- advocate for the jazz program in the public schools as an important and necessary
curricular strand and a uniquely American art form
- articulate an understanding of the legal and ethical issues in jazz education.
Assessment Measures
Assessment will include oral and/or written tests, projects, micro-teaching evaluations,
homework and performance-based examinations.
Other Course Information
None
Review and Approval
February, 2021
January, 2022