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BM Courses for Vocalists

35701 Jazz Harmony 1

Principles of Extended Harmony

The same course as 35700 without the improvisation component. In a 2-class/week harmony and improvisation sequence, this course is designed so that the BFA jazz vocal students may join the instrumentalists during one class session, then attend Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 1 (35703) at another time.

Co-requisites: 27500, 35703, 32311. 2hr./wk.; 2 cr.

35801 Jazz Harmony 2

Principles of Functional Harmony

The same course as 35800 without the improvisation component. In a 2-class/week harmony and improvisation sequence, this course is designed so that the BFA jazz vocal students may join the instrumentalists during one class session, then attend Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 2 (35803) at another time.

Pre-requisites: 27500, 35703, 32311. Co-requisites: 27600, 35803, 32411. 2hr./wk.; 2 cr.

45701 Jazz Harmony 3

Advanced Principles of Functional Harmony

The same course as 45700 without the improvisation component. In a 2-class/week harmony and improvisation sequence, this course is designed so that the BFA jazz vocal students may join the instrumentalists during one class session, then attend Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 3 (45703) at another time.

Pre-requisites: 35801, 35803, 32411, 27600. Co-requisites: 45703, 42311. 2 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

35703 Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 1

Designed to develop and reinforce jazz musicianship skills in the areas of sight singing, dictation, rhythm, and piano to assist in the development of jazz language for vocal improvisation. Transcription, instrumental solos, modes, scales, seventh chords, chord progressions, swing rhythm notation, articulation, scat syllables, piano voicings and bass lines will be covered with emphasis on the ii-V-I progression.

Co-requisites: 35701, 27500, 32311. 2hr./wk.; 2 cr.

35803 Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 2

Designed to develop and reinforce jazz musicianship skills in the areas of sight singing, dictation, rhythm, and piano to assist in the development of jazz language for vocal improvisation. Transcription, instrumental solos, modes, scales, seventh chords, chord progressions, swing rhythm notation, articulation, scat syllables, piano voicings and bass lines will be covered with emphasis on the ii-V-I progression.

Pre-requisites: 35701, 27500, 32311. Co-requisites: 35801, 27600, 32411. 2hr./wk.; 2 cr.

45703 Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 3

Designed to develop and reinforce jazz musicianship skills in the areas of sight singing, dictation, rhythm, and piano to assist in the development of jazz language for vocal improvisation. Transcription, instrumental solos, modes, scales, seventh chords, chord progressions, swing rhythm notation, articulation, scat syllables, piano voicings and bass lines will be covered with emphasis on the ii-V-I progression.

Pre-requisites: 35801, 27600, 32411. Co-requisites: 45701, 42311. 2hr./wk.; 2 cr.

45803 Musicianship & Improvisation for Jazz Vocalists 4

Designed to develop and reinforce jazz musicianship skills in the areas of sight singing, dictation, rhythm, and piano to assist in the development of jazz language for vocal improvisation. Transcription, instrumental solos, modes, scales, seventh chords, chord progressions, swing rhythm notation, articulation, scat syllables, piano voicings and bass lines will be covered with emphasis on the ii-V-I progression.

Pre-requisites: 45701, 42311. Co-requisites: 42411. 2hr./wk.; 2 cr.

32311 Jazz Vocal Repertory and Performance Practice 1

A course devoted to learning important tunes from the standard and jazz repertory, as well as common jazz performance practices. The course includes in-class performance, lead-sheet preparation, transposition, interpretation, phrasing, second-chorus improvisation, arranging, and the development of skills in leading and interacting with the band.

Co-requisites: 35701, 27500, 35703. 3 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

32411 Jazz Vocal Repertory and Performance Practice 2

A course devoted to learning important tunes from the standard and jazz repertory, as well as common jazz performance practices. The course includes in-class performance, lead-sheet preparation, transposition, interpretation, phrasing, second-chorus improvisation, arranging, and the development of skills in leading and interacting with the band.

Pre-requisites: 35701, 27500, 35703, 32311. Co-requisites: 35801, 27600, 35803. 3 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

42311 Jazz Vocal Repertory and Performance Practice 3

A course devoted to learning important tunes from the standard and jazz repertory, as well as common jazz performance practices. The course includes in-class performance, lead-sheet preparation, transposition, interpretation, phrasing, second-chorus improvisation, arranging, and the development of skills in leading and interacting with the band.

Pre-requisites: 35801, 27600, 35803, 32411. Co-requisites: 45701, 45703. 3 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

42411 Jazz Vocal Repertory and Performance Practice 4

A course devoted to learning important tunes from the standard and jazz repertory, as well as common jazz performance practices. The course includes in-class performance, lead-sheet preparation, transposition, interpretation, phrasing, second-chorus improvisation, arranging, and the development of skills in leading and interacting with the band.

Pre-requisites: 45701, 45703, 42311. Co-requisites: 45803. 3 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

27500 Jazz Piano 1

Elementary techniques for playing piano in jazz style. Chord identifications. Techniques for accompanying with or without melody, and with or without bass. Standards and jazz tunes. Extended chords.

Co-requisites: 35701 or permission of the Department. 2 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

27600 Jazz Piano 2

Continuation of Music 27500. Blues. Altered dominant chords. Stride style. Harmonic complexities. Standards and jazz tunes.

Pre-requisites: Music 27500; Co-requisites: 35801 or permission of the Department. 2 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

34400 Jazz History 1

From Its Origins to 1950

An examination of the roots of jazz and its stylistic evolution and major contributors up to 1950. Emphasis will be placed on detailed listening assignments, a 3500 word writing requirement and readings.

Pre-requisites: 10100 and English 11000 or equivalent. Pre- or Co-requisites: 21000 or equivalent. (W) 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr. Primarily for BM jazz majors.

34500 Jazz History 2

From 1950 to the Present

An examination of the trends in jazz and its major contributors since 1950. Emphasis will be placed on detailed listening assignments, a 3500 word writing requirement and readings.

Pre-requisites: 10100 and English 11000 or equivalent. Pre- or Co-requisites: 21000 or equivalent. (W) 3 hr./wk.; 3 cr. Primarily for BM jazz majors.

26015 Jazz Vocal Ensemble

The jazz vocal ensemble will learn multi-voice arrangements in the jazz idiom, to be performed at the CUNY Jazz Festival in May. In addition to the large ensemble, smaller trios and quartets will be formed to give students the opportunity to sing one-on-a-part. Individual soloing and group improvisation will be explored. 2hr/wk; 2 cr.

36001 Jazz Vocal Workshop

Exploration of contemporary arranging techniques (including reharmonization, modalization using bass ostinati), lyric writing and the writing of original tunes and contrafacts. Vocal and instrumental recordings will provide models for the students’ original work.

Pre-requisites: permission of the Department. 3 hr./wk.; 2 cr.

35000 Studio Ensemble Singing

Exploration and application of non-jazz vocal styles; the art of background vocals; application of musicianship skills; studio and recording skills, and basic knowledge of sound systems for live performances. Includes lectures, application of musical concepts, performances, videotaping with self-critique, and a vocal session in a recording studio.

Pre-requisites: permission of the department. 3 hr./wk., 2 cr.