Description:

This is an entry-level course for the student with little or no jazz improvisation experience. Through written work and performance on the instrument of choice, the student will learn the basic elements of jazz improvisation. Topics to be covered will include identification and performance of basic intervals, major scales, Dorian modes, Mixolydian modes, major seventh chords, minor seventh chords, dominant seventh chords and the basic blues form. 2 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor’s course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify aurally and in written form simple and compound intervals.
2. Identify aurally and in written form the structure of major scales.
3. Construct and perform a major scale from any given pitch.
4. Complete steps #2 and #3 from above for Dorian mode, Mixolydian mode, major seventh chords, minor seventh chords, and dominant seventh chords.
5. Identify, construct, and perform a basic 12 bar Blues.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Intervals
   A. Aurally identify the simple intervals from minor second through
perfect octave both in harmonic and melodic sequence.
   B. Construct in written form all simple intervals from any given
pitch.
   C. Aurally identify the compound intervals of the 9th, 11th, and 13th.
   D. Construct in written form the compound intervals from any given
pitch.

II. Major Scales
   A. Construct a written blueprint of the interval structure of a major
scale.
   B. Construct in written form a major scale from any given pitch.
   C. Perform on chosen instrument a major scale from any given pitch.
   D. Aurally identify the sound of a major scale.

III. Dorian Mode
   A. Construct a written blueprint for the interval structure of a Dorian
mode.
   B. Construct in written form a Dorian mode from a given pitch.
   C. Perform on instrument a Dorian mode from any given pitch.
   D. Aurally identify the sound of a Dorian mode.

IV. Mixolydian Mode
   A. Construct a written blueprint of the interval structure of a
Mixolydian mode.
   B. Construct in written form a Mixolydian mode from any given pitch.
   C. Perform on instrument a Mixolydian mode from any given pitch.
   D. Aurally identify the sound of a Mixolydian mode.

V. Major 7th Chord
   A. Construct a written blueprint of the interval structure of a major
7th chord.
   B. Construct in written form a major 7th chord from any given pitch.
   C. Perform on instrument a major 7th chord from any given pitch.
   D. Aurally identify the sound of the chord.

VI. Minor 7th Chord
   A. Construct a written blueprint of the interval structure of the minor
7th chord.
   B. Construct in written form a minor 7th chord from any given pitch.
   C. Perform on instrument a minor 7th chord from any given pitch.
   D. Aurally identify the sound of the chord.

VII. Dominant 7th Chord
   A. Construct a written blueprint of the interval structure of a
dominant 7th chord.
   B. Construct in written form a dominant 7th chord from any given
pitch.
   C. Perform on instrument a dominant 7th chord from any given pitch.
   D. Aurally identify the sound of the chord.

VIII. Blues Form
   A. Construct in written form a blueprint of the blues form showing the
proper number of measures and the correct placement of the scales and
chords.
   B. Aurally identify the basic 12 bar Blues form indicating orally where
the scale/chord changes occur.
   C. Perform on instrument the scales and chords of a 12 bar Blues in the
key of Concert F.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Written Exam: intervals, sclaes, modes, chords, and Blues form - 20%
of grade.

Listening Exam: same areas - 30% of grade.

Performance Exam: same areas - 50% of grade.

Grading Criteria:
  90 - 100% = A
  80 -  89% = B
  70 -  79% = C
  60 -  69% = D
  Below 60% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.