Jazz Techniques for the Music Educator
MUSC 3253
Tues. & Thurs. 1pmÑ1:50pm, Macky 117
Dr. John Davis
Phone: (303) 492-5299
Office: Macky 116
Office Hours: TR 2pm-3pm
Course Objectives: This course is designed to prepare the future music educator for successful experiences in teaching jazz at the secondary level. Students will gain insights into performance and rehearsal techniques for the instrumental jazz ensemble. In addition, approaches for teaching jazz improvisation and selecting literature for young students will be explored. Other topics will include programming, style considerations, articulation, and jazz festival participation. We will develop basic improvisational techniques, and you will be required to bring your instrument to certain classes. You are encouraged to ask questions and share opinions at any time.
Grade criteria:
10% Text Review Paper
10% Observation Reports
20% Weekly Reading Assignments and Class Participation
20% Mid-term exam
20% Final exam
20% Attendance
Required Text: Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz EducatorÕs Handbook and Resource Guide by Dunscomb/Hill, pub. Warner Bros. Music Inc. (Available from CU Book Store)
Text Reviews: You will be expected to review, critique, and outline one jazz text. This review should be at least two pages in length, typed, and should thoroughly represent the format and contents of the reviewed text. A list of texts from which students may choose will be distributed. The instructor must approve your choice of text. Each student needs to provide all class members with a copy of your review during or prior to your presentation. Papers must be turned in to the instructor at the time of your presentation. Papers are due on Thursday, April 2nd. Papers will not be accepted late.
Rehearsal Observations: You will be expected to observe two jazz band rehearsals, and submit a two-page typed report on your observations. Observed rehearsals can include CU Jazz Ensemble I, Jazz Ensemble II, or a High School/Middle School jazz band rehearsal. You may not ÒobserveÓ a rehearsal of a group of which you are a member. The report should include what took place in the rehearsal, what you observed as good, bad, and/or unique, and what you might incorporate into your own rehearsal techniques. Observation reports are due February 26th and April 14th. Observation reports will not be accepted late.
My goal is for you to become comfortable with rehearsing and
working with any junior high or high school jazz ensemble,
and to provide you with the skills and resources to become
the most effective educator possible.
Disabilities: If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to
me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs
be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on
documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and
http://www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices
If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see guidelines at
http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices/go.cgi?select=temporary.html
Disability Services' letters for students with disabilities indicate legally
mandated reasonable accommodations. The syllabus statements and answers to
Frequently Asked Questions can be found at
http://www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices
Religious Observances: Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to reasonably and fairly deal with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. In this class, {{insert your procedures here}} See full details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/fac_relig.html
Classroom behavior: Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Students who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat all students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which they and their students express opinions. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, culture, religion, politics, sexual orientation, gender variance, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. See polices at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/classbehavior.html and at http://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/judicialaffairs/code.html#student_code
Honor Code: All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu ; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/honor.html and at http://www.colorado.edu/academics/honorcode/
Discrimination and Sexual Harassment: The University of Colorado at Boulder policy on Discrimination and Harassment http://www.colorado.edu/policies/discrimination.html , the University of Colorado policy on Sexual Harassment and the University of Colorado policy on Amorous Relationships applies to all students, staff and faculty. Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been the subject of discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status should contact the Office of Discrimination and Harassment (ODH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information about the ODH and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding discrimination or harassment can be obtained at http://www.colorado.edu/odh
Week Date Subject/Reading Assignment (read prior to class!)
1 1/13 Introduction & Overview
Program Mission
(check web pdfs: www.colorado.edu/music/departments/jazz/podcasts)
1/15 NO CLASS (Read Chapters 1-6)
2 1/20 Starting and Maintaining a Jazz Program
1/22 NO CLASS (CMEA Conference)
(View DVD)
3 1/27 Jazz Ensemble Organization and Auditions (Chap. 12)
Selecting Music (Chap. 15)
1/29 Rehearsal Techniques (Chap. 14)
Score Marking
4 2/3 Rhythm Section: Piano (Chap 16, 16A)
2/5 Rhythm Section: Bass (Chap 16B)
5 2/10 Rhythm Section: Guitar (Chap 16D)
2/12 Rhythm Section: Drum Set (Chap 16C)
6 2/17 Drum Set (contÕd)
2/21 No Class
7 2/24 Review for Midterm
2/26 MIDTERM
(First Observation Due)
8 3/3 Winds: Trumpet (Chap 17, 17B)
3/5 Winds: Saxophone (Chap 17A)
9 3/10 Winds: Trombone (Chap 17C)
3/12 Articulation, Phrasing
10 3/17 Balance, Dynamics
3/19 Jazz Combo (Chap 11)
Spring Break (March 23-27)
11 3/31 Conducting
4/2 Jazz Listening Skills (Chap 3)
How to Listen
Nomenclature
(Text Review Papers Due)
12 4/7 Supplemental Resources (Read Resource Guide)
4/9 Festivals (Chap 19)
Programming
13 4/14 Guest Artists/Clinicians
(Second Observation Due)
4/16 Make up/Review
14 4/21 Improvisation: Bring Instruments to Class!! (Chap 9, 10)
4/23 Improvisation: Bring Instruments to Class!!
15 4/28 Improvisation: Bring Instruments to Class!!
4/30 Improvisation: Bring Instruments to Class!!
FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, May 5, time TBA