Petition to Major

Students are admitted to a specialization on the basis of a petition to major process, which occurs during the spring of the freshman or sophmore year. The petition to major process differs for each specialization, and students should contact the department chairs or area coordinators for more information. Students are not permitted to enroll in classes in the specialization until they have passed their petion to major.

Course Requirements

Students are required to complete the following courses for a specialization in Jazz Studies:

JZZ 308

JAZZ IMPROVISATION I

(2 credits) Techniques of jazz improvisation with an emphasis on basic chord construction and melodic line development.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 302 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 309

JAZZ IMPROVISATION II

(2 credits) Techniques of jazz improvisation with an emphasis on basic chord construction and melodic line development.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 308 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 310

JAZZ IMPROVISATION III

(2 credits) Techniques of jazz improvisation with an emphasis on basic chord construction and melodic line development.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 309 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 303

JAZZ HISTORY AND STYLE

(2 credits) An intensive study of the periods of jazz, major performers and composers, trends, influences, stylistic features and related materials.
Prerequisites:
A petition to major is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 314

JAZZ PEDAGOGY

(2 credits) A study of the methods of teaching jazz improvisation arranging, composition, conducting and rhythm section techniques. Can serve as an elective for music education majors.
Prerequisites:
A petition to major is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 304

JAZZ ARRANGING I

(3 credits) Investigation of jazz harmony, and concepts of weight and density in scoring for jazz ensemble, studio orchestra, and jingle writing. A year-long sequence of courses.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 302 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 305

JAZZ ARRANGING II

(3 credits) Investigation of jazz harmony, and concepts of weight and density in scoring for jazz ensemble, studio orchestra, and jingle writing. A year-long sequence of courses.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 304 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 306

JAZZ ARRANGING III

(3 credits) Investigation of jazz harmony, and concepts of weight and density in scoring for jazz ensemble, studio orchestra, and jingle writing. A year-long sequence of courses.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 305 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 201

JAZZ CHAMBER ENSEMBLE

(1 credit) Study, rehearsal, and performance of literature for jazz chamber groups. All of the MEN courses are repeatable courses.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate Music student is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 200

JAZZ ENSEMBLE

(1 credit) Current performance styles for large ensemble; new arrangements and compositions emphasized; performances both on and off campus. All of the MEN courses are repeatable courses.
Prerequisites:
Status as an Undergraduate Music student is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 315

JAZZ SENIOR RECITAL

A full 60 minute, public recital performance of solo and/or chamber repertoire to be completed in the Senior year. This recital is required as partial fulfillment of the degree of Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies. COREQUISITE: Students must be registered for 2 or 4 credits of applied lessons during the quarter the recital is presented.
Prerequisites:
A petition to major is a prerequisite for this class.

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JZZ 300

ESSENTIALS OF JAZZ I

(2 credits) Basic and advanced chord constructions in written and keyboard applications.
Prerequisites:
Status as a Music student is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 301

ESSENTIALS OF JAZZ II

(2 credits) Harmonizing melodies by the use of advanced harmonies and techniques of modern chord substitutions. Developing the ability to "play by ear.''
Prerequisites:
JZZ 300 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 302

ESSENTIALS OF JAZZ III

(2 credits) Improvisation with particular emphasis on the blues arranging and accompanying techniques; a survey of recent trends in popular music.
Prerequisites:
JZZ 301 is a prerequisite for this class.

JZZ 325

JAZZ RHYTHM TECHNIQUES

This course will provide students with information and performance techniques associated with instruments typically orchestrated to form a jazz rhythm, section in jazz chamber or large ensemble settings. Specific topics will include individual instrument roles, performance styles and tempos, and classic rhythm, section analysis.