The Drake University department of music now offers a Concentration in Jazz Studies, which can be incorporated into any music degree we offer. This new concentration is intended to help students interested in jazz to develop the skills necessary to be a marketable professional jazz and studio musician. A career in jazz and studio music is still a viable professional possibility for musicians, especially to those with recording, arranging and computer skills. Students in the program will study jazz styles, history, improvisational techniques, arranging and composition, and have opportunities in a recording studio both performing and recording their own work. Students also receive private lessons from a jazz artist on their instrument. These skills are developed along side of the regular "traditional" studies. The regular requirements of the primary music degree are not affected; the jazz courses only apply to electives. Any student completing a music degree with the jazz studies concentration will be a highly diverse performer, having experience as a soloist, a member of a band or orchestra as well as with playing in large and small jazz ensembles. Graduates will possess the necessary skills to arrange and compose for jazz and studio ensembles and utilize the computer in all activities. The graduate will be prepared to work in almost every musical arena available today.
None of the jazz studies courses will substitute for any requirements of any present degree, but are in addition to all other requirements, fulfilling elective requirements only. This concentration is best suited with a BM or a BA, but very hardworking BME student could receive it, although some extra time may be necessary.
The requirements are as follows:
Jazz History (Mus 10)- 2 cr
Jazz Theory and Keyboard (Mus 12)- 2 cr
Jazz improvisation I (Mus 55)- 2 cr
Jazz Improvisation II (Mus 56)- 2 cr
Jazz Arranging & Composition (Mus 133)- 2 cr
Studio Recording Techniques (Mus 144)- 2 cr
Jazz Ensemble (Mus 145, 2 semesters)- 2 cr
Jazz Combo (Mus 181-320, 2 semesters)- 2 cr
Applied Jazz (2 semesters) -2 cr
TOTAL 18 cr
The concentration is designed to be a manageable addition to the class load. One 2 credit course will be taken in each of 6 consecutive semester. The other requirements will be combo, big band and lessons, which do not have to be taken every semester.
The applied courses are as follows:
Jazz Piano (Mus 183)
Jazz Bass (Mus 184)
Jazz Guitar (Mus 196)
Jazz Drums (Mus 197)
Jazz Wind instruments (Mus 198- trumpet, trombone, saxophone)
These applied studies are taken along with any other applied requirement, and do not replace them. Private jazz lessons are essential to address each students individual needs. The approach to every jazz instrument has unique qualities that can be only effectively taught by someone who plays the instrument. Prerequisite is completion of Mus 3 & 4 (2nd semester music theory). You may only take .5 credit of lessons per semester.
Classes in the Jazz concentration are offered sequentially with the sequence starting over in the fall of even numbered years (See Table).
| 2008 (Fall) |
2009 (Spring) |
Jazz Arranging/Composition
Jazz History |
Recording Techniques
Jazz Theory/Keyboard |
| 2009 (Fall) |
2010 (Spring) |
| Jazz Improvisation I |
Jazz Improvisation II |
| 2010 (Fall) |
2011 (Spring) |
Jazz Arranging/Composition
Jazz History |
Recording Techniques
Jazz Theory/Keyboard |
This curriculum is as concise as possible to effectively prepare the student for a career in jazz and studio/commercial music.
For Further Information or questions, contact:
Andy Classen
Director of Jazz Studies
Drake University
Music Department
2507 University Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50311
515-271-3785
Andrew.Classen@drake.edu
Jazz History
Taught by Dr. James Romain
Next offered Fall 2008
The history of jazz music in America, from its origins in New Orleans through the present. A strong emphasis is placed on listening and analysis to learn to identify artists, styles and periods.
View Syllabus
Prereq.: Concurrent enrollment in MUS 1 or consent of instructor.
Jazz Theory/Keyboard
Taught by Prof. Andrew Classen
Next Offered Spring 2009
A study of the fundamentals of jazz theory and development of basic jazz keyboard skills.
View Syllabus
Prereq.: MUS 1 and 6.
Jazz Improvisation I
Taught By Dr. James Romain
Next Offered Fall 2009
A performance-based course, applying the theoretical concepts from Jazz Theory/Keyboard into the instrument. The major focus is learning to improvise on the blues and the ii-V-I progression.
View Syllabus
Prereq.: MUS 12.
Jazz Improvisation II
Taught By Dr. James Romain
Next Offered Spring 2010
Continuation of study from Jazz Improvisation I, moving into altered harmonies, more contemporary scales, intervalic patterns and compositions.
View Syllabus
Prereq.: MUS 55.
Jazz Arranging/Composition
Taught By Prof. Andrew Classen
Next Offered Fall 2010
Arranging and composing for small and large jazz ensembles. Proper notation, voicing, ranges and various combinations of the instruments and sections are studied. All work is done using music notation software. Projects are performed and recorded by one of the Drake Jazz Ensembles.
View Syllabus
Prereq.: MUS 56.
Studio Recording Techniques
Taught By TBA
Next Offered Spring 2011
The study and practice of good sound recording techniques. Work on state-of-the-art hard-disk recording system in an actual recording studio.
Prereq.: MUS 133.
