Jazz

2009-09-21Jazz Certificate available in this program

Jazz Faculty David Zoffer, chair | Dominique Eade ‡, Voice  | David Eure, String Improvisation | Gary Fieldman, Percussion, Ensemble | Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Piano, Ensemble | Rick McLaughlin, Bass, Ensemble | Vanessa Morris, Voice, Piano | Jason Palmer, Trumpet | Kelly Roberge, Saxophone, Woodwinds | Rebecca Shrimpton, Voice | Brooke Sofferman, Percussion, Ensemble | James Stewardson, Guitar, Ensemble | Rick Stone, Saxophone | Wesley Wirth, Bass, Ensemble | Joel Yennior, Trombone, Ensemble | David Zoffer, Piano, Ensemble

Jazz Theory and History Faculty Eyran Katsenelenbogen | Rick McLaughlin | Joel Yennior

Contemporary Improvisation Faculty Ran Blake ‡ | Anthony Coleman ‡ | Dominique Eade ‡ | Hankus Netsky ‡

‡ also NEC College faculty

Private Lessons

Private jazz instruction is offered by highly qualified and experienced faculty members. All levels are welcome! Lessons range from 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Private lessons are available in jazz voice, instruments, theory, arranging, and composition. Placement is made by the department chair, David Zoffer. We are currently running a lesson promotion for new and returning students not currently enrolled. Please contact the Director of Continuing Education at 617-585-1125 or sean.hagon@necmusic.edu for more info and a placement interview.

Jazz Certificate

Jazz Certificate available in this program

Ensembles

(Note: to receive credit for jazz ensembles, students must prepare regularly for rehearsals and perform in jazz recitals. Small ensembles are offered at only one credit/non-credit price.)

Jazz Ensembles
David Zoffer, Chair and Coordinator
Members of the Jazz Faculty
Saturday afternoons and weekday evenings
1.5 credits or non-credit: $785 per semester

Jazz ensembles are designed for instrumentalists and vocalists who wish to work with a complete rhythm section and are formed at all levels. Emphasis is placed on the exploration of various jazz styles and improvisation techniques. Performances of student compositions are encouraged. Although registration and payment is by semester, players are asked to participate for the full year so that groups remain intact. Auditions are held each semester during the registration periods. Call  617-585-1130 for more information and an audition time.

Jazz Theory and Ear Training

This two-year, two-level sequence provides adult students with the necessary skills for understanding and writing in the jazz tradition of improvisation. Repertoire studied includes classic and contemporary jazz literature, as well as music reflecting its African and European roots. Classes involve analyzing, composing, writing, and playing of materials, with an emphasis on the written and conceptual aspects of jazz theory. Students who enroll in a Jazz Theory class are encouraged to supplement it with the corresponding level Ear Training class.

Jazz Theory I

Full Year Course (Fall and Spring)

Joel Yennior, Instructor
Mondays 6:00 - 7:30 pm (other times scheduled if needed)
1.5 credits: $785 per semester
Non-credit: $565 per semester

An introduction to the harmonic and analytic vocabulary used by jazz musicians for compositional and improvisational development. Emphasis is on understanding common technical terms and also on learning to quickly apply theoretical constructs to playing and/or singing in a performance setting. The class will use recordings of well known jazz pieces to demonstrate theory concepts. Class topics include chord construction, key signatures, diatonic modes and chord scales, basic extended jazz harmony, guide tones, and voice leading, as found in standard jazz chord progressions.

Note: For spring semester placement into ongoing Jazz Theory and Ear Training Year Courses, call David Zoffer at  617-585-1100 , ext. 5709 or e-mail David Zoffer.

Jazz Theory II

Rick McLaughlin, Instructor

Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:30pm
1.5 credits: $785 per semester
Non-credit: $565 per semester

A continuation and expansion of the analytic principles and jazz vocabulary introduced in Jazz Theory I. Class topics include “modern” harmonic movement, modal hierarchies, chord substitutions, alternate modes, compound chords, chromatism, and improvisational pacing of theoretical concepts. The class will use recordings of well-known jazz pieces to demonstrate theory concepts. Students will spend much time analyzing compositions and improvisations by jazz masters, and composing.

Note: For spring semester placement into ongoing Jazz Theory and Ear Training Year Courses, call David Zoffer at  617-585-1100 , ext. 5709 or e-mail David Zoffer.

Jazz Ear Training I

Full Year Course (Fall and Spring)
Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Instructor
Mondays 7:30 - 8:30 pm
1 credit: $525 per semester
Non-credit: $375 per semester

A class designed to give students basic aural recognition skills, using jazz musical vocabulary, and to function as an aural counterpart to Jazz Theory I. Emphasis is on simple interval recognition, basic jazz rhythmical rudiments, aural identification of beginning jazz harmony, simple transcription, and vocal and instrumental imitation. The class includes singing (no previous experience is necessary) and playing of instruments.

Note: For spring semester placement into ongoing Jazz Theory and Ear Training Year Courses, call David Zoffer at  617-585-1100 , ext. 5709 or e-mail David Zoffer.

Jazz Ear Training II

Full Year Course (Fall and Spring)
Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Instructor
Mondays 8:30 - 9:30 pm (other times scheduled if needed)
1 credit: $525 per semester
Non-credit: $375 per semester

A continuation and expansion of Jazz Ear Training I. Students learn how to sing jazz voice leading lines, identify extended jazz harmony, imitate complex rhythmic figures, transcribe complex melodies and solos, and imitate singers and instrumentalists. The class includes singing and playing of instruments; portable recorders are required. Prerequisite: completion of either Jazz Ear Training I or permission of the instructor.

Note: For spring semester placement into ongoing Jazz Theory and Ear Training Year Courses, call David Zoffer at  617-585-1100 , ext. 5709 or e-mail David Zoffer.

Composition and Arranging

Jazz Composition and Analysis

Fall semester only

Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tuesdays 9:00 - 10:30 p.m.
1.5 credits: $785 per semester
Non-credit: $565 per semester

This course focuses on various techniques and methods of composing—such as motivic development, rhythmic manipulation, and reharmonization—as well as on the structure of form and phrase. Exercises and assignments stem from an in-depth analysis of important jazz compositions and recordings. Prerequisite: completion of or current enrollment in Jazz Theory II, or permission of the instructor.

Jazz Arranging

Spring semester only

Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tuesdays 9:00 - 10:30 pm (Spring course bulletin that was mailed has incorrect time and day).
1.5 credits: $785 per semester
Non-credit: $565 per semester

This course teaches students to compose and arrange parts for a small jazz ensemble. Topics covered include jazz notation for both rhythmic and melodic instruments; ranges and basic timbres of woodwind and brass instruments; technical limitations of instruments; writing introductions, interludes, background figures, and endings; and in-class demonstrations by professional musicians. Portable cassette recorders are required; private lessons are also available. Prerequisite: completion of or current enrollment in Jazz Theory II, or permission of the instructor. Text: Bill Dobbins: Jazz Arranging and Composing, A Linear Approach.

Jazz History

Jazz History

Full Year Course (Fall and Spring)

Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tuesdays 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

1 credit: $525 per semester
Non-credit: $375 per semester

A comprehensive overview of the evolution of American jazz from its roots in African folksong and ritual through the present day. Related topics such as Crossover, Third Stream, Fusion, and jazz-influenced classical music will also be considered. Emphasis is on listening and class discussion, with possible live in-class performances. There are also reading and listening assignments, plus a final paper each semester that will be a report on a live jazz performance of the student’s choice.

2010-01-22