Jazz History: Music 10

Course Objectives

This course will serve as an overview of jazz history, from it's orgins in New Orleans to the present. The major style periods to be covered include: early jazz, swing, bebop, cool, hard bop, free jazz, jazz fusion, and contemperary trends. A strong is placed on the development of critical listening skills. You will learn aural characteristics of the various styles and periods and be able to recognize and identify recordings of key jazz musicians throughout history.

Course Materials

Gridley, Mark. Jazz Styles: History and Analysis, 7th Edition

Listening Compacted Discs

Supplementary materials provided in class

Attendance and Grading Policies

Regular class attendance is expected of each student. Attendance is a critical factor to success in this class, since lectures will contain discussion of materials not in the Text., live performance demonstrations, extra listening, videos, etc. Tests will cover the required reading and listening listed in the class schedule as well as lecture material. Grades will be based on the following formula:

20% Test 1
20% Test 2
30% Final Exam
10% Quizzes, Attendance and Class Participation
10% Live jazz performance attendance
10% CD listening reviews (10)

CD Reviews

You are required to submit a review of 10 selections from jazz recordings. All selections must be cleared with the instructor prior to submission. Listening report forms will be provided, however submission of reviews by E-mail is encouraged and preferred.