Analysis of Jazz Styles Syllabus * Spring 2013

Music 711-120 (2 credits) Instructor: Vance Thompson Phone: 573-3226 Email: ithompso@utk.edu Office: Melrose Hall, room D310, 1616 Melrose Ave Office Hours: TBA

Pre-requisite: Jazz Theory 711-110 Objective of the Course: To aquire a deeper understanding of improvised solos by masters of the craft, and to confirm the existence of elements (as in Elements of the Jazz Language) in those solos. To develop the deep listening skills involved in transcribing solos. Required Text: 28 Modern Jazz Trumpet Solos (Slone) Optional Text: Elements of the Jazz Language (Coker) Modern Jazz Tenor Solos (Butler) Required Software: Amazing Slow Downer (Ronimusic.com) or similar product Grading Criteria: The weighting of course activities in determining the course grade follows: weekly homework assignments 20% of final grade mid-term solo transcription and analysis project 40% of final grade final solo transcription and comparative analysis project 40% of final grade Approximate Schedule by Weeks week 1. Lectures on the functional potential of the musical ear. week 2. Transcription of a solo (chosen by the instructor) by the entire class. Bring your instruments to class, as we will transcribe directly from the recording to our instruments, without notating the solo. This will provide the opportunity to be coached on the techniques of transcribing. weeks 3 7. Study and analysis of the trumpet solos in the Slone text. week 8. The first self-transcribed solo and analysis are due on March 14 (The last class before spring break.) NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED. weeks 10 14. Study and analysis of the tenor solos in the Butler text. week 15. The final project, consisting of two solos/analyes, which are compared with one another, is due by or before 10:00 am May 6. NO LATE PROJECTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Students with Special Requirements If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 2227 Dunford Hall (telephone/TTY 865-974-6087; e-mail ods@utk.edu) by January 16. This will ensure that you are properly registered for services.