Community Music Center
Introduction to Jazz Theory
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This is an introduction to some of the basic
elements of jazz, including: chords and chord symbols, lead sheet notation,
typical chord progressions, melodic construction, forms, and improvisation using
scales, modes and other devices. We will divide the eight-weeks
together into three general sections: harmony,
melody and form. The class will culminate in the composition of a song in the jazz standard style, done in a
group-effort approach. Please check this page regularly for
updates to the informational and assignment links. Printable version of the following schedule |
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Week |
Topic & Class Materials (subject to change as the class evolves) |
Assignment
Due |
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1: June 21 |
(Review of) harmony: 7th
chords, diatonic 7th chords in major/minor keys; the roman numeral system;
lead sheet chord symbols Diatonic 7th chords in major and minor keys Diatonic 7th chords – reference table |
(SONG LINKS) |
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2: June 28 |
Diatonic chords and chord progressions *Focusing
on the ii V I progression, or fragments like ii V, or V I |
Identifying and
writing chords I |
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3: July 5 |
More with chords: chord
extensions and alterations, chord substitutions and fills*,
chord wrap-up *Altering minor 7th chords – making them dominant
7ths *Altering the Imaj7 with a I6 chord *Adding extensions (9th, b9th, #9th), especially to the V
chord *Altering the 5th of the V chord |
Identifying chords and progressions in
songs |
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4: July 12 |
Melody
I: melodic structure |
Chord alterations and substitutions |
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5: July 19 |
Melody II:
more with foreground/background and ornamentation; phrasing; modes* |
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6: July 26 |
Form I: the 32-bar popular/conventional form |
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7: Aug 2 |
Form
II: other, less-typical forms; modal styles* |
Identifying forms in songs
– find a jazz standard and analyze its form |
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8: Aug 9 |
Group
composition/sharing compositions |
Practice
song, chords only: |
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*time permitting |
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