Jazz Techniques for the Music Educator

MUSC 3253

Tues. & Thurs. 1pm — 1:50pm

Room: Macky 117

Dr. John Davis

Phone: (303) 492-5299

Office: Macky 116

Office Hours: TWR 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:

15% Text Review/Presentation

20% Observation Reports, Weekly Assignments, Class Preparation

20% Mid-term exam

20% Final exam

15% Notebook

10% Attendance

Notebooks: In a standard three-ring binder, you need to keep all class notes and handouts. This will provide you with a good source of information to which you can refer in the future. Notes need to be typed and will be handed in and graded at the end of the semester. Please use typed tabs for each section of your notebook. Notebooks are due on Tuesday, April 24^th. Notebooks will not be accepted late.

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. In addition, each individual will conduct a 10-15 minute class presentation on the 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 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 one High School jazz band rehearsal. You may not “observe” a rehearsal of a group in 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 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 may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities.

(303-492-8671, Willard 322, www.colorado.edu/disabilityservices).

Honor Code: The University has recently adopted a student Honor Code. Papers submitted by any student, written in part or in whole by someone other than that student, shall be considered to constitute fraud under the University Honor Code, and result in the assignment of an ‘F’ for the entire course.

Required Texts:

Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s Handbook and Resource Guide by Dunscomb/Hill, pub. Warner Bros. (Available from CU Book Store)

The Jazz Educator’s Handbook by Jarvis/Hill, pub. Kendor Music Inc. (Available from CU Book Store)