Winona State University s7

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY PROPOSAL FOR NEW COURSES

Department: Music Date: March 2, 2006

MUS 334 Jazz Piano Class 2

Course No. Course Name Credits

This proposal is for a(n) X Undergraduate Course ______Graduate Course

Applies to: ______Major ______Minor ______University Studies* _____ Required _____ Required __X__ Elective _____Elective

Prerequisites: MUS 235 and MUS 206 (or permission of instructor)

Grading method: ___X___ Grade only ______P/NC only ______Grade and P/NC Option

Frequency of offering: yearly (pending funding)

A. Course Description 1. Catalog Description: The purpose of this course is to give non-pianists practical application of jazz theory, harmony and improvisation through performance on the piano. Prerequisites: MUS 235 and MUS 206 (or permission of instructor). Offered yearly.

2. Course Syllabus / Goals A. Technique  Students will be able to read and execute four-part voicings and selected jazz (modal) scales  Reinforce basic concepts of good posture and hand position at the instrument  Dexterity studies

B. Theory  Functional II-V changes and turnarounds  Voice-leading and relationship of chords to melody  Basic dominant 7 chord substitutions  Chord-Scale relationships and modes  Basic arranging and composing using voicing sketches  Basic principles of improvisation

C. Repertoire Systematic approach to learning jazz standards:  Develop a library of CDs or other media which includes samples of various pianists in different settings (trio, quartets, etc.)  Play along with formatted recordings  Learn to play a limited number of standard tunes in all keys

D. Rhythm Using the metronome, students will learn to.  Play jazz chords metrically in 4/4 and 3/4 time  Maintain left hand accompaniment while playing linear phrases with the right hand  Construct simple bass lines with the left hand while playing chords with the right hand

3. Instructional Plan Using the guidelines in the course syllabus, the class will be structured to incorporate each of the four areas of study in a sequential manner – maintaining all of them simultaneously. Written exercises will demonstrate theoretical concepts, while performance exercises will focus on the practical. This course will be taught in the piano lab (PAC 249), thus offering extensive hands-on activities.

4. Course requirements The student’s grade will be evaluated by a combination of written exercises and performance on the piano. Written exercises will be submitted every two weeks. These exercises will constitute 40% of the grade, focusing on voicings and basic theory exercises. A final written exercise will constitute another 10% of the grade. Performance exams—at midterm and the end of the semester—each will constitute 20% of the grade. The final 10% of the student’s grade will be based on class participation and attendance.

5. Course materials Required Texts DeGreg, Phil: Jazz Keyboard Harmony. Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc., 1994. Aebersold, Jamey: Jazz Piano Voicings, Jamey Aebersold Jazz, Inc., 1992.

6. Bibliography The New Real Book, Vol. 1. Sher Music Co. Levine, Mark: The Jazz Piano Book. Sher Music Co., Haerle, Dan: Jazz Piano Skills. UNT Publications, 1990.

B. Rationale 1. Major focus and objectives A common denominator among great jazz instrumentalists is that most of them have a solid understanding of jazz piano. This can be seen as proof of the importance of this knowledge as a basis for one’s fundamental jazz education. As a practical matter, piano has an advantage in that voicings of up to ten notes over a large range can be played, which is not possible on any other instrument. The piano also functions as a rhythm instrument, which allows for the development of rhythmic phrasing common to jazz. Through the use of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) the piano can also become a powerful tool for composing and arranging.

2. Contribution to department curriculum This course will eventually be a required course toward a minor in jazz studies (to be proposed in the fall of 2006). This jazz minor will be an additional option for music majors and also non-majors who wish to continue their musical training in the jazz area.

3. No courses will be dropped due to the initiation of this course.

C. Impact on Other Departments This course will have no impact on other departments, other than to offer more elective options in the arts for all students.

D. University Studies This course will not be submitted for approval in the university studies program.

Department Contact Person for this Proposal: R. Richard MacDonald x5259 [email protected] Name (please print) Phone e-mail address