Supplemental courses
Jazz History/Appreciation
The focus of this course is to instill an appreciation for America’s one true art music. This is a lecture based course with supplemental videos and recordings designed to illustrate the evolution and revolution of jazz music through the triumphs and catastrophes of a growing nation within a turbulent century. The assessment is based on five short biographies and a two-part final, written and listening. In addition, students are required to attend five live jazz performances. Class attendance is also mandatory.
Jazz Improvisation
This course is designed to give students the developmental methods of jazz improvisation. In other words, the class goes beyond the standard pedagogy of transcription. The course stems from four categories; theory, composition, style, and philosophy. The students achieve class goals through transcription study, harmonic and melodic analysis, performance, discussion, composition, and a demonstration final.
Independent study
This course allows the student the ability to choose a personal interest or focus. The range of this course is absolutely infinite. Some example courses are as follows; advanced improvisation, comparison study, jazz arranging or composition, the business of music, jazz styles, jazz literature. Submit a proposal to professor Jay Wilkinson for his approval. Forms are found in the School of Music main office.