76.148 Ensemble Performance 2
Course Information and Standards

Class meeting time/place
TBD
Instructor
TBD
Office hours
TBD

Course Description

Ensemble Performance 2 is an introduction to the fundamentals of the jazz idiom, jazz theory, and jazz improvisation. Topics include correct interpretation of jazz rhythm and articulation, basic jazz theory, and the development of improvised melodies. Students will play in small ensembles, or "combos", in this course. Students are expected to have at least an intermediate level of skill on their instruments at the time they begin this course. Prerequisite: 76.147. Credit: 2.0.

Goals and Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to

Required Textbook(s)

Because the teaching of improvisation is still something of an art, the individual instructor must be given some lattitude in the choice of methods and materials. Five suggested texts are listed below. The course outline given here is based on the LaPorta method.

Required Course Materials

Course Outline

The following topics illustrate one possible overall organization of the course. Each class meeting will have rhythm and performance training exercises, dictation exercises, and ensemble performances of appropriate compositions. There may also be a written assignment based on the theoretical concepts discussed during each meeting. Each week's homework will always include preparation of the piece(s) to be played during the next class meeting.

  1. Week 1: Divide into combos. Learn Bb pentatonic scale, jazz legato-staccato attack, and correct interpretation of swinging 8th notes.
  2. Week 2: Rehearse. Learn correct interpretation of jazz staccato quarter and half notes.
  3. Week 3: Rehearse. Learn blue notes for Bb and study techniques for evolving rhythms for solos.
  4. Week 4: Rehearse. Learn F pentatonic scale with blue notes and correct interpretation of jazz "smear". Study techniques for evolving melodies for solos,
  5. Week 5: Rehearse. Study strong- and weak-beat accents, and rhythmic displacement (anticipation).
  6. Week 6: Rehearse. Continue study of jazz accents and introduce delayed attack.
  7. Week 7: Rehearse. Learn Eb pentatonic scale with blue notes.
  8. Week 8: Mid-term exam. Play prepared piece(s) with improvised solos in Bb, F, and Eb.
  9. Week 9: Rehearse. Study melodic extension techniques for solos and varied accents.
  10. Week 10. Rehearse. Study varied melodic extension techniques for solos.
  11. Week 11: Rehearse. Study the combination of scale centers for solos.
  12. Week 12: Rehearse. Learn C pentatonic scale with blue notes and blues guide tones.
  13. Week 13: Dress rehearsal for final exam.
  14. Week 14: Final exam (in-class performance, open only to class).

The amount of time actually spent on each topic will depend on the class' rate of progress in mastering the individual skills.

Grading Policy

Grades in this course are determined primarily by attendance and by the level of participation in the ensemble's activities. The grades awarded to each ensemble for its performances will be included in the computation of the final grade awarded to each student in the ensemble. Grades for any written homework, quizzes, and tests on material covered in the course will also be included in the computation of the final grade.

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is essential to the success of the ensemble. To be considered "present", the student must have all required books and scores, and his/her instrument together with all necessary equipment (amplifier, cables, etc.) in working order. Each unexcused absence will result in the loss of a full letter grade from the final grade.