Revised 09/98

MUS 159 - Improvisational Techniques (3 CR.)

Course Description

Introduction to the principles of improvisation using harmonic structures and progressions from the Period of Common Practice. Includes listening and performing music of the standard jazz and popular repertoire. The student will develop performance skills utilizing specific improvisational devices employed in different historical periods. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

The purpose of this course is to provide the student with the fundamental principles of elementary improvisation either upon a given melody or a given harmonic structure in a manner consistent with the norms of the Common Practice. It will provide the skills needed for successful entry level performance into second year course - MUS 259 - “ Advanced Improvisational Techniques” .

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Freshman Level Applied Music competency.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to extemporize on his major instrument in a style of medium difficulty, either on a given melody or a given chord structure.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Harmonic analysis of contemporary sheet music
• Melodic analysis of contemporary sheet music
• Study and Practice of standard jazz patterns
• Study of Recorded improvisatory repertoire
• Creative juxtaposition of standard jazz patterns
• Study and practice of modes
• Variation techniques
• Principles of Modulation 

Optional Topics

The study of specific masters of improvisation on records.