HPER 158   Jazz Dance (Beginning) (1 Hour)

An introduction to the concepts and motor skills involved with jazz dance. Basic body position will be introduced as well as basic terminology, jazz history, various jazz styles and the basic techniques involved, isolations, combinations, choreography and rhythmic influences. 2 hrs./wk.

MUS 125   Introduction to Jazz Listening (3 Hours)

This is an entry-level course for the student with little or no prior knowledge of the American art form of jazz music. Through reading and listening, the student will learn the basic structure of the elements of music and how these are organized to create jazz. Topics to be covered will include rhythm, harmony, and form; Dixieland style; swing style; bop; and contemporary jazz.

MUS 145   Jazz/Commercial Music Theory I* (3 Hours)

Prerequisites : MUS 141.

Through the study of Jazz music theory, students will learn the basic elements that comprise the foundation of this style of music. Students will discover how Jazz and Commercial music is constructed, analyzed, and performed by learning intervals, scales, chords, chord progressions, form, and construction of melodies.

MUS 176   Jazz Band I* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Audition and department approval.

This is an entry-level course in the jazz band performing format for the student with little or no experience in this course of study. The student will learn, through rehearsal and performance, the basic elements of music and how these are utilized in the jazz band. Topics will include simple rhythms, basic melodic construction and major scale construction.

MUS 177   Jazz Band II* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : MUS 176 or department approval.

This is a beginning-level course for the student with at least one semester of prior jazz band experience. Through rehearsal and performance, the student will learn beginning elements of music as applied to the jazz band performing format. Topics covered will include syncopated rhythm, Dorian minor scales and blues form.

MUS 178   Jazz Band III* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : MUS 177 or department approval.

This is an intermediate-level course for the student with at least two semesters of prior jazz band experience. Through rehearsal and performance, the intermediate levels of jazz band performance will be learned. Topics covered will include Latin style, Mixolydian scales and the 32-bar song form.

MUS 179   Jazz Band IV* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : MUS 178 or department approval.

This is an advanced-level course for the student with at least three semesters of prior jazz band experience. Advanced elements of jazz music will be learned through rehearsal and performance. Topics covered will include Lydian scales and ensemble performance techniques.

MUS 187   Jazz Improvisation I* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : Department approval.

This is an entry-level course for the student with little or no jazz improvisation experience. Through written work and performance on the instrument of choice, the student will learn the basic elements of jazz improvisation. Topics to be covered will include identification and performance of basic intervals, major scales, Dorian modes, Mixolydian modes, major seventh chords, minor seventh chords, dominant seventh chords and the basic blues form.

MUS 188   Jazz Improvisation II* (2 Hours)

Prerequisites : MUS 187 and department approval.

This is an advanced-level course for the student with at least one semester of jazz improvisation. Through performance on the chosen instrument and written studies, the student will learn advanced concepts of jazz improvisation. Topics to be covered include jazz performance style, construction of the improvised solo and 32-bar song form.

MUS 195   Vocal Jazz Ensemble I* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : Audition and department approval.

This is an entry-level course in the vocal jazz performing format. Through rehearsal and public performance, the student will learn the basic elements of music as applied to vocal jazz. Topics will include 8th note swing, jazz syncopation and 32-bar song form.

MUS 196   Vocal Jazz Ensemble II* (1 Hour)

Prerequisites : MUS 195 and department approval.

This is a beginning-level course in the vocal jazz performing format. Through rehearsal and public performance, the student will learn the basic elements of music as applied to vocal jazz. Topics will include Dorian minor scales, Mixolydian scales and 12-bar blues form.