Course Descriptions
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Jazz Studies
6JCM 119 (I-1.5) Basic Jazz Theory and Aural Skills
Required for undergraduate jazz students in the first semester of the freshman year. Offered as a remedial course for graduate jazz students, who upon entrance, are found to be deficient in jazz theory and aural skills.
6JCM 151, 152 (I, II-1) Jazz Performance Workshop for Non-Majors
Combines the study of improvisation, theory, aural training and small group performance. Offered for non-majors from both Eastman and River Campus. This course may count as a chamber music credit, or for the WBP practical creative elective, only with permission of the students' department chair.
6JCM 200 (I, II-1) Large Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, New Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Workshop. A multifaceted collection of jazz "big band" experiences that incorporate the study and presentation of jazz from historically significant repertory to new works composed by Eastman student writers. Ensembles accompany renowned jazz soloists, showcase the music of the finest jazz composers and arrangers, and present educational events for audiences across the country. Seating is determined by auditions in the fall. The 70-piece Studio Orchestra (combining Jazz Ensemble and Philharmonia/ESSO for three weeks annually) is periodically organized by assignment; no pre-enrollment is required.
6JCM 201, 202 (I, II-2) Jazz Theory/Improvisation for Non-Jazz Majors
Exploring both abstract elements and essential functions of improvisation, this course stresses jazz rudiments of chord and scale spellings, chord/scale/mode relationships, jazz nomenclature, basic forms, chord substitution, and chord voicing. Emphasis upon aural training, vocalization, and transcription of recorded jazz solos. Blues structures, modal compositions, and tunes with simple progressions are emphasized in class performance.
6JCM 203 (I-1) Basic Jazz Bass
Fundamental techniques for beginners. Focuses on pedagogical skills for future teachers, jazz students majoring on instruments other than bass, and composition/arranging students. Prerequisite: JCM major or permission of instructor.
6JCM 204 (II-1) Basic Jazz Drumset
Fundamental techniques for beginners. Focuses on pedagogical skills for future teachers, jazz students majoring on instruments other than drums, and composition/arranging students. Prerequisite: JCM major or permission of instructor.
6JCM 205, 206 (I, II-1) Functional Jazz Piano
A keyboard methods course designed to equip each student with practical basic jazz piano skills sufficient for accompaniment, composing/arranging, and continued study of jazz harmony. Emphasis on basic jazz harmonic formulas, voice leading, scales and modally derived harmonies used in jazz, and two-hand homophonic jazz piano style (right-hand melody, left-hand accompaniment). Lead sheet sight-reading is stressed, in addition to tactile and visual familiarity with the keyboard. Prerequisite for non-JCM majors: JCM 201, 202 or permission of instructor. No prerequisite for JCM majors.
6JCM 207 (I-1) Woodwind Doubling (Flute)
Group instruction in basic technique for flute. Required for undergraduate JCM saxophone performance majors.
6JCM 208 (II-2) Woodwind Doubling (Clarinet)
Group instruction in basic technique for clarinet. Required for undergraduate JCM saxophone performance majors.
6JCM 209, 210 (I, II-1) Jazz Mallet Performance
A performance oriented class where students learn by performing for each other and as a mallet ensemble with one player playing bass lines, one player playing chords, one player playing melody/solos and one player playing time on hi-hat. Once students are comfortable in that setting, they change chairs, creating a "musical chairs" setting, such that each student learns to play all parts of the concept being studied. The repertory will consist of blues, standards, modal tunes, and rhythm changes forms. Students will achieve a basic competency in jazz improvisation in this class. Students will understand and be able to create different texture types: monophonic, homophonic, accompanied bass lines, accompanied melody as well as polyphonic textures which are all part of being a capable jazz mallet performer. Students will also be exposed to special vibraphone techniques: proper use of the sustain pedal, after pedaling, mallet dampening, playing on ends of bars, and special sticking considerations. This class is designed for classical and JCM percussion majors at the Eastman School of Music. Other students with considerable mallet experience may also join the class with permission of the instructor. A desire to practice improvisation daily and to listen to jazz is required.
6JCM 211-214 (I,II-3) Jazz Composition
Studio Lessons in jazz composition and arranging for undergraduate JCM writing skills majors.
6JCM 218 (I-2) Jazz Pedagogy
Basic rehearsal techniques for the development of large and small jazz ensembles. Survey of pedagogical concepts, performance practice, and performance repertory for big bands and small groups. Teaching skills pertaining to improvisation, theory, and aural training from beginning to advanced levels. Hands-on teaching experience and ensemble coaching are essential components in the course. Prerequisite: JCM major or permission of Jazz Studies chair.
6JCM 223 (I-2) Jazz Composition and Arranging I
Basic techniques of tune writing are presented and explored in relation to the work of specific jazz composers whose works are rooted in the creative use of tonal harmonic relationships. Students compose original tunes using the musical vocabulary and techniques utilized by specific composers. Prerequisite: for non-JCM majors, JCM 201, 202 or permission of the instructor.
6JCM 224 (II-2) Jazz Composition and Arranging II
Basic techniques of writing for small jazz groups are presented and explored in relation to instrumental combinations of two to five wind and brass instruments with rhythm section. Homophonic and contrapuntal textures as well as melody harmonization techniques are studied in relation to a variety of harmonic styles. Students arrange a standard or an original theme. Prerequisite: JCM 223.
6JCM 225 (I-2) Jazz Composition and Arranging III
Basic techniques of writing for standard jazz ensemble instrumentation are presented and explored. Traditional approaches to orchestration, harmony, thematic development and form are emphasized, as exemplified in jazz writers such as Neal Hefti, Ernie Wilkins, Frank Foster, Sammy Nestico and Duke Ellington. Students arrange a standard from the jazz repertoire. Prerequisite: JCM 224.
6JCM 226 (II-2) Jazz Composition and Arranging IV
Contemporary writing approaches for large ensembles are presented and explored, including the use of woodwind doubling in the saxophone section and the addition of horns and extra percussion instruments. The work of writers such as Gil Evans, Bill Holman, Thad Jones, Bob Brookmeyer, Clare Fischer and George Russell are emphasized, and non-jazz rhythmic idioms such as those of Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music are also included. Students arrange a standard or an original theme. Prerequisite: JCM 225.
6JCM 230 (I, II-1) Jazz Styles & Analysis
This course is required of all undergraduate jazz and contemporary media (JCM) majors in piano, bass, trumpet, saxophone, and trombone in any semester in which their applied lessons are in a classical studio. The purpose of this course is to better prepare these students for improvising in jazz ensembles, auditions, and juries. The class is normally taken for four semesters by freshmen and sophomores but can also be taken additional times as an elective per discretion of the instructor.
The course covers the major historic stylists as well as other important soloists on the particular instrument. Class activities emphasize analysis and performances of transcribed solos, with listening assignments as well as class listening to a wide variety of jazz soloists in various stylistic and historic contexts. During the spring semester priority is given to JCM jury preparation for freshman and sophomore students not studying in jazz studios. (updated 6/20/08)
6JCM 233, 234 (I,II-2) Film Scoring I, II
Focuses on such topics as understanding visual drama, synchronization of music to picture, the use of technology in the current industry, and the importance of film music history. Students will compose music to several projects, a process that includes creating mock-ups in specially fitted workstations as well as orchestrating and conducting their own music in recording sessions.
6JCM 241 (II-3) Jazz History and Analysis
Development of compositional and improvisational styles in jazz from 1900 to the present. All periods in the development of jazz are examined. Evolution of specific instrumental styles is also emphasized. Prerequisites: TH 101, 102, 111, and ENS 100 or permission of the instructor.
6JCM 251, 252 (I, II-2) Jazz Performance Workshop (Undergraduate)
This course combines a thorough study of improvisation, jazz theory, aural training, and small group performance practice in six classroom environments built around small ensembles. Resulting chamber ensembles perform throughout the year in Jazz Forums, and other school and public venues. Participation in this course is limited to JCM majors. (Eight semesters required for BM JCM degrees.)
6JCM 261 (II-1) Entrepreneurship in Music
An entrepreneur takes an idea and transforms it into an enterprise that creates value. This course will provide tools to help you turn your ideas into reality. What every entrepreneurial musician needs to know about business entities, profit vs. non-profit, contracts and dealing with lawyers, branding, developing a business plan, ethics and professionalism, financial planning, basic accounting, how to read a balance sheet, cash flow management and taxes. Students will work alone or in teams to develop their real-world ideas. (rev. 7/12/05)
6JCM 281, 282 (I, II-2) Advanced Writing Projects
Jazz composition and arranging instruction for the undergraduate JCM writing skills major. Emphasizes development of student works and senior recital production/performance concerns.
6JCM 291, 292 (I, II-0.0) Jazz Forum (Undergraduate)
A weekly departmental gathering in which jazz faculty, visiting artists, and students from JPWs appear in performance showcases. At other times there are discussions of departmental and current jazz topics, and exploration of new compositions, arrangements, and contemporary recorded works by professional composers and arrangers, as well a student and faculty works. Open to JCM majors only.
6JCM 400 (I, II-1) Large Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Ensemble, New Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Lab Band, and Jazz Workshop. A multifaceted collection of jazz "big band" experiences that incorporate the study and presentation of jazz from historically significant repertory to new works composed by Eastman student writers. Ensembles accompany renowned jazz soloists, showcase the music of the finest jazz composers and arrangers, and present educational events for audiences across the country. Seating is determined by auditions in the fall. The 70-piece Studio Orchestra (combining Jazz Ensemble and Philharmonia/ESSO for three weeks annually) is periodically organized by assignment; no pre-enrollment is required.
6JCM 406 (I-1) Graduate Jazz Pedagogy
Philosophical justification and outcome expectations for the school jazz studies program; profiles of established programs in institutions of various sizes; pedagogical discussions pertaining to the teaching of jazz improvisation, theory, history, composition/arranging, and ensembles; development of the curriculum vitae and job application preparation; preparation for the professional interview. Prerequisite: MM JCM major or permission of instructor.
6JCM 407 (II-1) Graduate Jazz Ensemble Direction
The course helps to develop the essential skills for directing a large jazz ensemble. Students learn to select, analyze and prepare repertoire, how to develop transposition and relevant keyboard skills, how to plan and carry out an organized and productive rehearsal, and how to relate to a specific or general type of audience. Prerequisite: JCM 406 or instructor's permission.
6JCM 410 (II-1) Jazz Mallet Performance
A performance oriented class where students learn by performing for each other and as a mallet ensemble with one player playing bass lines, one player playing chords, one player playing melody/solos and one player playing time on hi-hat. Once students are comfortable in that setting, they change chairs, creating a "musical chairs" setting, such that each student learns to play all parts of the concept being studied. The repertory will consist of blues, standards, modal tunes, and rhythm changes forms. Students will achieve a basic competency in jazz improvisation in this class. Students will understand and be able to create different texture types: monophonic, homophonic, accompanied bass lines, accompanied melody as well as polyphonic textures which are all part of being a capable jazz mallet performer. Students will also be exposed to special vibraphone techniques: proper use of the sustain pedal, after pedaling, mallet dampening, playing on ends of bars, and special sticking considerations. This class is designed for classical and JCM percussion majors at the Eastman School of Music. Other students with considerable mallet experience may also join the class with permission of the instructor. A desire to practice improvisation daily and to listen to jazz is required.
6JCM 431 (I-2) Studio Orchestra Arranging
Essential techniques of arranging for studio orchestra are developed through the study of jazz-related classical orchestral works and works by jazz arrangers and composers from a wide range of jazz styles. Student works are read by the Eastman Studio Orchestra and selected works are performed on the orchestra's annual concert. Prerequisite: JCM 225.
6JCM 441 (II-3) Advanced History and Analysis of Jazz Styles
Investigation of performance and compositional innovations in jazz in the twentieth century. Analysis of scores, transcriptions, and recordings by major jazz stylists. Prerequisite: JCM 241 or permission of instructor.
6JCM 451, 452 (I, II-2) Jazz Performance Workshop (Graduate)
This course combines a thorough study of improvisation, jazz theory, aural training, and small group performance practice in six classroom environments built around small ensembles. Resulting chamber ensembles perform throughout the year in Jazz Forums, and other school and public venues. Participation in this course is limited to JCM majors. (Four semesters required for MM JCM degree, two semesters required for MM JCW degree.)
6JCM 456 (I, II-0) Advanced Performance Projects-Contemporary Media
Preparation and finalizing a media related product which showcases the graduate student's area of focus.
6JCM 481, 482 (I, II-3) Advanced Studies in Jazz Composition
Jazz composition and arranging instruction for the graduate MM JCW major and DMA JCM major. Emphasis upon development of student works and recording production/live performance matters pertaining to the graduate recitals. Permission of instructor required.
6JCM 483-484 (I, II-3) Advanced Studies in Improvisation
Jazz improvisation and theory instruction for the graduate MM JCP major and DMA JCM major. Emphasis upon development of student works and recording production/live performance matters pertaining to the graduate recitals. Permission of instructor required.
6JCM 491, 492 (I, II-0) Jazz Forum (Graduate)
A weekly departmental gathering in which jazz faculty, visiting artists, and students from JPWs appear in performance showcases. At other times there are discussions of departmental and current jazz topics, and exploration of new compositions, arrangements, and contemporary recorded works by professional composers and arrangers, as well a student and faculty works. Prerequisite: JCM major. Graduate students attend and perform in forums for no credit/no charge.
6JCM 501 (I,II-0) Large Jazz Ensemble
Same as 6JCM 400, but for no credit and no charge. For DMA JCM students who participate in large ensembles, but do not need credit. Requires permission of the instructor. (rev 7/09/08)
6JCM 560 (I,II-3) Applied Study in Jazz Composition and Arranging
Requires instructor permission. (rev. 8/1/05)