Course Outline for Music Literature 42A
Jazz Theory I

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:
Catalog Description:

MUSL 42A - Jazz Theory I

3.00 Units

Developing an understanding of traditional jazz nomenclature including chord symbols, chord/scale relationships, and jazz harmony. Various scales, their modes and their applications will be addressed as well as their applications to harmonic progressions common to the jazz idiom.
Strongly Recommended: MUSL 6.
1004.00 - Music
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 3.00 54.00 108.00 162.00
Laboratory 0.00 18.00 0.00 18.00
Total 3.00 72.00 108.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. demonstrate Major Scales;
  2. demonstrate basic Jazz Chords;
  3. demonstrate basic Jazz Progression;
  4. demonstrate Upper Extensions;
  5. demonstrate Modes of the Harmonic Minor;
  6. demonstrate Ascending Melodic Minor;
  7. demonstrate Pentatonic and Blues Scales;
  8. demonstrate Melody Harmonization;
  9. demonstrate comprehension Tonal Centers.
Course Content:
  1. Major Scales;
  2. Basic Jazz Chords;
  3. Basic Jazz Progression;
  4. Upper Extensions;
  5. Modes of the Harmonic Minor;
  6. Ascending Melodic Minor;
  7. Pentatonic and Blues Scales;
  8. Melody Harmonization;
  9. Tonal Centers.
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Composition
  2. Laboratory exercises
  3. Demonstration/Exercise
  4. Practice/Demonstration
  5. Hands-on Activities
  6. Distance Education
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Write down an two-octave scale F Major.
  2. Construct all the minor 7th chords up to a 9th.
  3. Analyze the forn of "Ladybird"
  1. Class Performance
  2. Exams/Tests
  3. Lab Activities
  4. Projects
  5. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Identify and analyze the jazz forms and structures.
  2. Demonstrate basic jazz musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythm reading, aural recognition, dictation, and realization.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Terefenko, Dariusz (2017). Jazz Theory 2nd Edition Routledge.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Developing an understanding of traditional jazz nomenclature including chord symbols, chord/scale relationships, and jazz harmony. Various scales, their modes and their applications will be addressed as well as their applications to harmonic progressions common to the jazz idiom.
Strongly Recommended: MUSL 6.
Discipline:
Music*