MU 2010 Jazz History

Cat. II Through an introduction to the musical contributions of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and others, students are exposed to the chronological development of the language of jazz. Each jazz era is examined in detail including the musical and social contexts which helped define it. Participants are expected to build aural skills with the goal of identifying specific historical periods through the recognition of particular musical characteristics. Students examine in depth one artist of their choice. This course will be offered in 2020-21, and in alternating years thereafter. [This replaces MU 4623. Credit is not allowed for both MU 4623 and MU 2719.] 

MU 2410 Jazz Combo

Cat. I The Jazz Combo is a small ensemble that performs frequently on campus and on tour, playing jazz arrangements written for a small ensemble with major emphasis on improvisation. Rehearsals are held weekly. Students are expected to perform with the ensemble, know how to read music, and have experience with improvisation. This is an auditioned group. Permission of the instructor is necessary to register.

MU 2411 Jazz Ensemble

Cat. I The Jazz Ensemble is an intermediate level ensemble that performs traditional and contemporary big band literature with an emphasis on stylistically appropriate interpretation and performance practice. The ensemble performs frequently on campus and on tour. Rehearsals are held weekly. Students are expected to perform with the ensemble and to know how to read music. This is an auditioned group. Permission of the instructor is necessary to register. 

MU 2412 Stage Band

The Stage Band is an advanced level ensemble that performs traditional and contemporary big band literature with an emphasis on stylistically appropriate interpretation and performance practice. The ensemble performs frequently on campus and on tour. Rehearsals are held weekly. Students are expected to perform with the ensemble and to know how to read music. This is an auditioned group. Permission of the instructor is necessary to register. 

MU 3110 Jazz Theory

Cat. I This course examines harmonic and melodic relationships as applied to jazz and popular music composition. Students are introduced to a wide range of jazz improvisational performance practices. Topics include compositional forms, harmonic structures, major and minor keys, blues, modal jazz, and re-harmonization techniques. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of reading music. Credit is not allowed for MU 4624 or MU 2730 and MU 3730.] 

MU 3910 Practicum in Jazz Performance

This Practicum in Jazz Performance will allow students, under the guidance of the professor, too choose an area of musical interest, research and practice all relevant materials, and present a final project include a live performance and accompanying documents. Prior background in Jazz playing is required. 

Last updated: March 30th, 2025