Course Syllabus

MUSC 4856 Private Jazz IV

Course Description

This course provides individual musical instruction in jazz at the beginning to intermediate level. This course augments but does not replace private study on the major instrument and cannot be taken in the place of private lessons. All students taking this course are also required to participate in regular master classes, recitals and juries which fulfill the lab portion of the course. The course is also available to non-music majors who wish to develop their musicianship and performance skills. This course is repeatable for credit. An additional fee is required.

Justification

As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Snow College is required to provide competent private instruction for music majors in all vocal and instrumental specialties. Private instruction is required of music majors in four-year music degree programs and must appear on student transcripts. This course offers an excellent opportunity for all Snow College students to develop
musicianship and performance skills. Courses of this type are taught at all NASM accredited institutions in Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Continue to develop good practice habits, and keep track of practice hours using a practice journal or log sheet
2. Learn repertoire appropriate to an intermediate to advanced/professional grade level
3. Learn intermediate and advanced technique skills necessary to perform more challenging repertoire
4. Memorize music for performance (where appropriate)
5. Perform in master classes, recitals and other public events
6. Perform an end-of-semester jury
7. Continue to demonstrate proper artistic style and technical facility.

Course Content

Study of major and minor scales, modes and other scales as assigned, their corresponding arpeggios, and similar essential musical structures.

Development of technical skill through study of exercises and etudes appropriate to student playing level.

Study of solo repertoire and standard jazz repertoire appropriate for third-year college students and/or the individual level of the student.

Development of increased skill in improvisation through the mastery of harmonic materials, and exploration of melodic devices.

Development of aural skills through regular in-depth study of recordings, including the transcription of performances by master artists.

Greater focus on instruction in performance practice in a variety of styles and historic periods, and examining the playing style of a variety of master artists.

Continuing development of tone strength and quality within all ranges of the instrument.

Development of performance technique, including memorization techniques, stage deportment and anxiety management.

Study and practice will be assessed through instructor feedback and public performance.

Jazz is one of the greatest cross-cultural artistic developments of recent history, and its study will help students of all backgrounds to develop a concrete understanding of creative innovation.