Jazz Theory

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• Building chords and scales using upper extensions
• Writing a single-line jazz solo over a standard chord progression
• Transcribing and analysing a typical jazz solo
• Analysing and labeling a jazz leadsheet using appropriate harmonic devices
• Altering chord progressions with substitute and passing chords
• Making creative choices about chord extensions

This module introduces students to the theoretical understanding of harmonic and some rhythmic conventions associated with jazz music, much which will be drawn from the classic repertoire of The Great American Songbook. It starts with simple nomenclature (chord symbols & spelling) and progresses through analysing functional harmony, modes, chord extensions and substitutions. It culminates in students having knowledge and understanding of adding their own chord substitutions to a well-known standard, transcribing a typical jazz solo, and writing an exemplar solo line over a given chord progression employing theoretical concepts assimilated from the module.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures

Individual study and listening

 Library-based research

 On-line based research

 Individual tutorials by arrangement

Resources & Reading list

General Resources

Module Blackboard site.

Hartley Library audio/visual reserves.

Hartley Library reserves.

Textbooks

Barry Kernfield (1995). What to Listen for In Jazz. Yale: Yale.

Mark Levine (1995). The Jazz Theory Book. Petaluma: Calif: Sher Music Co.

Mark Levine (1995). The Jazz Piano Book. Petaluma: Calif: Sher Music Co.

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External