Jazz Studies

MUJZ 008. Introduction to Jazz. 3 Units.

This is an introduction to jazz studies and performers through intelligent listening and historical research. This course teaches jazz as an art form created by African-Americans and it investigates issues concerning race, ethnicity, and social justice. Topics include connections to slavery, Civil and World Wars, segregation, and the musical response of African-Americans. Students write a live performance critique, album reviews, artist papers, and a research paper. No previous study of music is required. (ETHC, GE2C)

MUJZ 010. Jazz Piano I. 1 Unit.

This jazz piano instruction course is geared toward the non-pianist. This course provides a foundation of skills that build in the second semester. Students acquire the ability to perform standard jazz compositions with minimal right-hand improvisation and sight-read chord changes.

MUJZ 011. Jazz Piano II. 1 Unit.

This jazz piano instruction course is geared toward the non-pianist. This course provides more advanced study of jazz progressions and skills acquired from the first semester. Students acquire the ability to perform standard jazz compositions that utilize rootless and quartal voicings, contemporary harmonies, and sight-read advanced chord changes. Prerequisite: MUJZ 010 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 020. Jazz Theory and Aural Training. 3 Units.

Students explore technical aspects of jazz improvisation that include harmonic substitutions, chord/scale relationships, analysis of harmonic progressions and solos, forms, and ear training. Class examples and exercises are written for piano and the emphasis is placed on students studying the materials at the piano and their individual instruments. Prerequisites: MCOM 032 and MCOM 033 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 021. Jazz Style and Analysis. 3 Units.

This course explores jazz style through the analysis of historically significant transcribed solos of jazz masters. The course focuses on the development of harmonic and melodic vocabulary, and involves student transcriptions. Prerequisites: MCOM 032, MCOM 033, MUJZ 020 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 025. Jazz Harmony. 3 Units.

This course is designed to introduce students to the language of jazz through practical application of jazz harmony via in-depth analysis, practical application of jazz techniques, transcription exercises, in-class listening and performance of works from the jazz repertory, and critical feedback from the instructor and peers. Prerequisite: MUJZ 020 or permission from instructor.

MUJZ 030. Jazz Improvisation I. 2 Units.

Students study the essential elements utilized in jazz performance. Students participate on their individual instruments in the playing of patterns, scales, and compositions that aid in the development of improvisational skills. The course includes both written and performance exams. Prerequisites: MCOM 032 and MCOM 033 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 031. Jazz Improvisation II. 2 Units.

Students study the essential elements utilized in jazz performance. Students participate on their individual instruments in the application of advanced patterns and scales. Additional components involve jazz improvisation instruction for contemporary compositions, ballad performance, and free form vehicles. The course includes both written and performance exams. Prerequisites: MCOM 032, MCOM 033, MUJZ 030 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 110. Jazz Arranging and Composition. 3 Units.

This course focuses on familiarizing students with jazz composition and arranging techniques for the small jazz ensemble. Two and three part writing techniques associated with the jazz tradition are the focus. Prerequisites: MUJZ 011 and MUJZ 031 or permission of the instructor.

MUJZ 111. Jazz Composition for the Large Ensemble. 3 Units.

This course focuses on the development of writing skills aimed primarily for the large ensemble. This course will include a focus on big band writing plus the incorporation of strings or other non-traditional jazz instrumentation. Prerequisite: MUJZ 110 or permission from the instructor.

MUJZ 130. Advanced Improvisation. 2 Units.

Students study advanced techniques and practices of jazz improvisation. Topics include tune analysis and develops a more definitive concepts of chord/scale relationships. Students examine contemporary performance practices that include the use of synthetic scales and free improvisation. Prerequisites: MCOM 032, MCOM 033, MUJZ 030, MUJZ 031 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 131. Advanced Improvisation II. 2 Units.

This course is a continuation of Advanced Improvisation. Students will explore advanced techniques of jazz performance and improvisation. Students will also explore the process of integrating new materials and improvisation methods into their playing. Prerequisite: MUJZ 130 or permission from the instructor.

MUJZ 140. Jazz Pedagogy. 2 Units.

Students study jazz education materials and performance techniques designed for the student who may teach jazz ensembles or design curriculum. Prerequisites: MCOM 032 and MCOM 033; MUJZ 030 and MUJZ 031 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 150. Honors Jazz Seminar. 3 Units.

A stylistic study of jazz styles and performers involving transcription, ensemble performance and composition study of selected works and artists. Prerequisite: Acceptance in the Honors Jazz Degree.

MUJZ 158. Advanced History of Jazz. 3 Units.

This course is a comprehensive study of jazz styles and performers through intelligent listening and historical research. Realizing jazz as an art form created by African-Americans, this course investigates issues concerning race, ethnicity, and social justice. The course content involves connections to slavery, Civil and World Wars, segregation, and the musical response of African-Americans. It also includes an analysis of jazz compositions, live performance critiques, album reviews, artist papers, and a research project that involves the Brubeck Collection. This course is designated for music students with junior or senior standing. Prerequisite: MCOM 033.

MUJZ 161. Jazz Seminar and Perspectives I. 3 Units.

Jazz Seminar and Perspectives I is comprised of two major components that involve Undergraduate Research and Performance Perspectives. Research topic involves the various cultural, economic, historical, and social aspects of jazz. Performance Perspectives Component involves jazz performance issues, stylistic comparisons of artists, works of major composers, and jazz historical perspectives. Topics are variable. Students are involved with in-class performances, research papers, and music transcriptions. An assembly of a portfolio serves as a key component of this course. Prerequisites: MUJZ 008, MUJZ 010, MUJZ 011, MUJZ 020, MUJZ 021, MUJZ 030, MUJZ 031 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 162. Jazz Seminar and Perspectives II. 3 Units.

Jazz Seminar and Perspectives II is comprised of two major components that involve Undergraduate Research and Performance Perspectives. Research topic involves the various cultural, economic, historical, and social aspects of jazz. Performance Perspectives Component involves jazz performance issues, stylistic comparisons of artists, works of major composers, and jazz historical perspectives. Topics are variable. Students are involved with in-class performances, research papers, and music transcriptions. An assembly of a portfolio serves as a key component of this course. Prerequisites: MUJZ 008, 010, 011, 020, 021, 030, 031, 161 or permission of the instructor.

MUJZ 163. Jazz Seminar and Perspectives III. 3 Units.

Jazz Seminar and Perspectives III is comprised of two major components that involve Undergraduate Research and Performance Perspectives. Research topic involves the various cultural, economic, historical, and social aspects of jazz. Performance Perspectives Component involves jazz performance issues, stylistic comparisons of artists, works of major composers, and jazz historical perspectives. Topics are variable. Students are involved with in-class performances, research papers, and music transcriptions. An assembly of a portfolio serves as a key component of this course. Prerequisites: MUJZ 008, MUJZ 010, MUJZ 011, MUJZ 020, MUJZ 021, MUJZ 030, MUJZ 031, MUJZ 161, MUJZ 162 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 164. Jazz Seminar and Perspectives IV. 3 Units.

Jazz Seminar and Perspectives IV is comprised of two major components involving Undergraduate Research and Performance Perspectives. Research topic involves the various cultural, economic, historical, and social aspects of jazz. Performance Perspectives Component involves jazz performance issues, stylistic comparisons of artists, works of major composers, and jazz historical perspectives. Topics are variable. Students are involved with in-class performances, research papers, and music transcriptions. An assembly of a portfolio serves as a key component of this course. Prerequisites: MUJZ 008, MUJZ 010, MUJZ 011, MUJZ 020, MUJZ 021, MUJZ 030, MUJZ 031, MUJZ 161, MUJZ 162, MUJZ 163 or permission of instructor.

MUJZ 171. Jazz Applied I. 1-2 Units.

This course is for upper division Jazz Studies majors who have passed the sophomore applied major examination in their principle instrument or voice. It is required for Jazz Studies majors. Enrollment in applied music requires an applied music fee per unit.

MUJZ 172. Jazz Applied II. 1-2 Units.

This course is or upper division Jazz Studies majors who have passed the sophomore applied major examination in their principal instrument or voice. It is required for Jazz Studies majors. Enrollment in applied music requires an applied music fee per unit.

MUJZ 173. Jazz Applied III. 1-2 Units.

This course is for upper division Jazz Studies majors who have passed the sophomore applied major examination in their principal instrument or voice. It is required for Jazz Studies majors. Enrollment in applied music requires an applied music fee per unit.

MUJZ 174. Jazz Applied IV. 1-2 Units.

This course is for upper division Jazz Studies majors who have passed the sophomore applied major examination in their principal instrument or voice. It is required for Jazz Studies majors. Enrollment in applied music requires an applied music fee per unit.

MUJZ 180. Applied Jazz Composition. 2 Units.

Each student registered for Applied Jazz Composition will receive a 1-hour private lesson once a week. The subject matter will involve problems and solutions in the composition of original jazz works and traditional models from noted jazz composers. Students will learn various compositional techniques, and explore notation, instrumentation, orchestration, and performance issues. Prerequisite: MUJZ 031 or permission from the instructor.

MUJZ 191. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.