MUTR 3042 Jazz Theory and Composition
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of writing and arranging for a small jazz ensemble with an in depth study of jazz harmony and theory. Students will gain this knowledge through analysis of jazz standards and how appropriate modes (chord scales) are used for arranging and improvisation. Once harmonic and modal understanding is achieved, students write for a typical small jazz ensemble consisting of piano, bass, drums, guitar, trumpet, alto and tenor saxophones and trombone. Classic recordings will be presented from artists such as Miles Davis and Art Blakey to illustrate exceptional small ensemble writing. Each student will be asked to write an original composition or arrangement of an existing jazz composition for the Manhattanville College's Small Jazz Ensemble. Students will be encouraged to attend Thursday rehearsals to hear their work, and then make adjustments. This process will allow each student to hear their music played by their peers, further adding to this learning process. The Small Jazz Ensemble will perform two or three of these works during each end of semester concert featuring the arranger.