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Course Syllabus

MUSC 1856 Private Jazz I

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: .5; Lab: 1
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2022
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2027
  • End Semester: Summer 2028
  • Optimum Class Size: 1
  • Maximum Class Size: 1

Course Description

This course provides individual musical instruction in jazz at the beginning level. This course augments but does not replace private study on the major instrument, and can not be taken in the place of private lessons. All students taking this course arealso required to participate in regular master classes, recitals and juries. The course is also available to non-music majors who wish to develop their musicianship and performance skills. An additional fee is required.

Justification

As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Snow College is required to provide competent private instruction for music majors in all vocal and instrumental specialties. Private instruction is required of music majors in four-year music degree programs and must appear on student transcripts. This course offers an excellent opportunity for all Snow College students to develop musicianship and performance skills. Courses of this type are taught at all NASM accredited institutions in Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Student will develop good practice habits, and keep track of practice hours using a practice journal or log sheet.
  2. Student will learn repertoire appropriate to a beginning grade level.
  3. Student will learn intermediate and advanced technique skills necessary to perform more challenging repertoire.
  4. Student will memorize music for performance (where appropriate) as well as perform respective repertoire in master classes, recitals and other public events.
  5. Student will demonstrate proper artistic style and technical facility.

Course Content

This course will include the following topics:Practice journal development - learn effective practice techniques.Work on body posture including embouchure, hand and feet positions, and breathing techniques - determined by instrument/voice.Advanced technique study, including use of vibrato and performance in extreme ranges. Focus on instruction in performance practice appropriate to stylistic periods.Development of tone strength and quality within all ranges of the instrument.Development of dynamic ranges appropriate to all types of literature.Initial study of languages necessary to perform music appropriately. Study of major and minor scales as well as associated derivative scales (including, but not limited to, Dorian, Phrygian Lydian, etc.) and respective arpeggios.Study of method books and etudes appropriate to student playing level.Study of solo repertoire appropriate for first-year college students and/or the individual level of the student.Development of performance technique, including memorizationtechniques, stage deportment and anxiety management.Study and practice will be assessed through instructor feedback and public performance.Course will explore notable contributions to the jazz legacy via examination of various cultural and ethic groups and their respective contributions throughout jazz and American history.Students are encouraged to express their unique background and cultural heritage through the creative and improvisatory aspects of the jazz art form.