Jazz Theory II
Course Description
Exploration of bebop harmonic concepts, Coltrane changes, Three Tonic Systems, tetratonics using simple and complex forms, reharmonizations, chord progressions, advance linear concepts, solo transcriptions and analysis.
Course Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course the student will be able to deal with different concepts of improvisation and specified technical areas of functional and structural harmony over bebop, post-bebop tunes and Coltrane changes with assurance.
Text
None: The instructor distributes appropriate course materials.
Recommended Reading:
- The Jazz Theory Book by: Mark Levine
- How to Improvise by: Hal Crook
- Improvisation: Its Nature and Practice in Music by Derek Baley
Homework
Regular homework and other assignments will be required. In order to maintain satisfactory standing in this class, approximately four to six hours per week of out of class
preparation is recommended.
Grading
Your final grade will be determined by considering the following components at indicated weights.
Attendance and class participation 10%
Assignments (homework) 15%
Midterm exam 30%
Final Project 45%
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all classes and are held responsible for any work missed because of absence. Two unexcused absences constitute the lowering of a student’s final course grade by one full letter. If an absence is necessary, the teacher should be notified as far in advance as possible.
Course Withdrawal:
Any request to withdraw from classes or lessons must be made in writing to the Eastman Community Music School Office. Verbal request will not be honored. See the ECMS handbook for more information.
Course Outline:
Fall Semester
Week 1 – Review of Jazz Theory I, if necessary.
Week 2 – History of rhythm changes, listen to RC tunes, form,
original changes, harmonic analysis.
Week 3 – Secondary and extended dominants, intro to modal
interchange, changes & variation during the 1930s
Week 4 – Exercises to practice over changes. common notes,
chord tones exercises, arpeggios.
Week 5 – II – V - I
Week 6 – Bebop scale
Week 7 – Approach notes
Week 8 – Review of all material, listening to music
Week 9 – Quiz, playing
Week 10 – Bebop Era changes
Week 11 – First four bars reharmonizations, exercises
Week 12 – Tritone substitutions, Kenny Dorham variations
Week 13 – Harmonic and melodic analysis of Eternal Triangle
Week 14 – Analysis contimue………
Week 15 – Playing, listening to music
Week 16 – Review of all material, Wrap up questions
Week 17 - Final exam
Spring Semester
Course Outline:
Week 1 – Review Bebop history, listening to music.
Week 2 – Most important musicians of the bebop era.
Week 3 – Major contributions of bebop musicians to the music. Melodic minor Harmony
Week 4 – More on bebop scale. Harmonic analysis of Confirmation
Week 5 – More on Modal Interchange
Week 6 – Whole-Tone Harmony. Diminished Harmony
Week 7 – Diminished Harmony continuation. Approach Notes.
Week 8 – Review of all material, listening to music
Week 9 – Quiz, Playing
Week 10 – Slash Chords
Week 11 – Introduction to Coltrane, Listening to music.
Week 12 – Basics of Three Tonic Systems
Week 13 – Introduction of Tetratonics
Week 14 –– Melodic Analysis of Coltrane solo on Giant Steps.
Week 15 – More on Tetratonics, solo transcription analysis.
Week 16 – Review of all material, Wrap up questions
Week 17 – Final Project
Last updated: October 6, 2009