Course Outline for Music Literature 42B
Jazz Theory II

Effective: Fall 2024
SLO Rev:
Catalog Description:

MUSL 42B - Jazz Theory II

3.00 Units

Jazz composition and arranging to gain and/or solidify a working knowledge of standard concepts pertaining to writing and arranging for the small to large ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on achieving the following: shapes and voicings used for different combinations of melody instruments; writing idiomatic arrangements of “standards” in the jazz idiom and standard “industry-style” formatting of scores and parts.
Prerequisite: MUSL 42A.
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 comprehension of Scale Degrees;
  2. demonstrate comprehension of Instrument Transpositions and Ranges;
  3. demonstrate comprehension of Jazz Terminology;
  4. demonstrate comprehension of Form and Structure;
  5. demonstrate comprehension of Basic composition and lead sheet;
  6. construct Jazz Chords, Chord Substitutions and Altered Harmonies;
  7. demonstrate scoring for the rhythm section;
  8. demonstrate understanding of Jazz Styles: Swing, Straight, Afro Cuban, Brazilian;
  9. create Small Ensemble writing;
  10. create Large Ensemble writing.
Course Content:
  1. Scale Degrees;
  2. Instrument Transpositions and Ranges;
  3. Jazz Terminology;
  4. Form and Structure;
  5. Basic composition and lead sheet;
  6. Jazz Chords, Chord Substitutions and Altered Harmonies
  7. Scoring for the rhythm section;
  8. Jazz Styles:
    1. Swing
    2. Straight
    3. Afro Cuban
    4. Brazilian
  9. Small Ensemble writing;
  10. Large Ensemble writing.
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Lecture/Composition
  2. Laboratory
  3. Demonstration/Exercise
  4. Practice/Demonstration
  5. Hands-on Activities
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Compose a 32 bar tune using the changes to "I Got Rhythm."
  2. Create a rhythm section score using the chord progression to "There Will Never Be Another You."
  3. Arrange a 3 horn of "Autumn Leaves" using Trumpet, Tenor Sax and Trombone.
  1. Class Performance
  2. Exams/Tests
  3. Lab Activities
  4. Final Examination or Project
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Demonstrate intermediate jazz musicianship skills including sight singing, rhythm reading, aural recognition, dictation, and realization
  2. Identify and analyze the jazz forms and structure
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Terefenko, Dariusz (2017). Jazz Theory 2nd Edition Routledge.
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
Jazz composition and arranging to gain and/or solidify a working knowledge of standard concepts pertaining to writing and arranging for the small to large ensemble. Emphasis will be placed on achieving the following: shapes and voicings used for different combinations of melody instruments; writing idiomatic arrangements of “standards” in the jazz idiom and standard “industry-style” formatting of scores and parts.
Prerequisite: MUSL 42A.
Discipline:
Music*