David Zoffer, chair
Rick McLaughlin, assistant chair
Jazz Certificate
We offer a Jazz Certificate which is availble in all instruments. See our Certificates page for more information.
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. Spring placement auditions will be on January 17, 2012 from 5-10p.m. Please contact the Continuing Education Office at 617-585-1130 or ContinuingEducation@necmusic.edu for more info and a placement interview.
Jazz Placement and Scheduling
The Jazz Department has a new online form system this year that is being used for placement and scheduling The form provides the department chair with all of your information regarding classes, lessons, ensembles, and scheduling.
Both new and returning jazz students must complete this form. Completion of this form does not constitute registration or payment. If you have already registered, you must still fill out this form in order to get placed in the jazz course schedule.
Returning Jazz Continuing Ed. Students
Returning students do not have to re-audition, but they may if they want to by calling 617-585-1130. Returning students should already have Login IDs and Passwords. Follow the Continuing Ed Jazz Placement and Scheduling Form link below, add it to your cart, and then log in with your existing login credentials. If you’ve forgotten your Password you can retrieve it by clicking "Forgotten?" under the Password field. If you still cannot login, please call the Registrar’s office at (617) 585-1314 or e-mail prepceregistration@necmusic.edu. Please do not create a new account for yourself.
New Jazz Continuing Ed. Students
New students must complete this form in order to audition. Once completed, please call 617-585-1130 to schedule an audition. The first step is creating an account online. To begin creating an account, follow the Continuing Ed Jazz Placement and Scheduling Form link below, add it to your cart, and then click on the "Create New Account" button. If you are not sure whether you have an account, please call the Registrar’s office at (617) 585-1314 or e-mail prepceregistration@necmusic.edu.
The comprehensiveness of this form, and your corresponding answers, allows us to create a nearly custom schedule for the entire student body based on each student's interests, aspirations, and availability. We appreciate your completion of this form.
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 or weekday evenings
1.5 credits or non-credit: $TBA
Auditions: TBA
OFFERED FALL AND SPRING SEMESTERS
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 and Jazz Ear Training I provides a foundation for students interested in Contemporary Improvisation.
Jazz Theory I
Joel Yennior, Instructor
Mon 6:00 - 7:30 pm
1.5 credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
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.
Jazz Theory II
Joel Yennior, Instructor
Mon 6:00 - 7:30 pm
1.5 credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
Continues exploring the topics introduced in Jazz Theory I.
Prerequisite: Jazz Theory I.
Jazz Theory III
Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tue 6:00 - 7:30
1.5 credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
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.
Prerequisite: Jazz Theory II.
Jazz Theory IV
Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tue 6:00 - 7:30
1.5 credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
A continuation of concepts introduced in Jazz Theory III.
Prerequisite: Jazz Theory III.
Jazz Ear Training I
Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Instructor
Mon 7:30 - 8:30 pm
1 credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
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.
Jazz Ear Training II
Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Instructor
Mon 7:30 - 8:30 pm
1 credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
A continuation of concepts introduced in Jazz Ear Training I.
Prerequisite: Jazz Ear Training I.
Jazz Ear Training III
Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Instructor
Mon 8:30 - 9:30 pm
1 credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
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.
Prerequisite: Jazz Ear Training II.
Jazz Ear Training IV
Eyran Katsenelenbogen, Instructor
Mon 8:30 - 9:30 pm
1 credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
A continuation of concepts introduced in Jazz Ear Training III.
Prerequisite: Jazz Theory III.
Composition and Arranging
Jazz Composition and Analysis
Fall semester only
Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tues 4:30 - 6:00
1.5 credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
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.
Prerequisite: Completion of or current enrollment in Jazz Theory II.
Jazz Arranging
Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tues 4:30 - 6:00
1.5 credits: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
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.
Prerequisite: Jazz Composition and Analysis
Music Technology
Finale Notation Software and Chart Writing
David Zoffer, Chair, NEC Preparatory & Continuing Education Jazz Department
Wed 6:00 - 7:00
1 CE credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
Always wanted to learn computer notation software? Tired of not knowing how to make clear looking printed music for rehearsals and performance? Sharing his years of professional notation experience in Jazz, Pop and Classical music, David Zoffer starts this class with basic instruction in Finale notation software and gives students the ability to make professional charts based on the concept of developing empathy for the reader. In-class projects include: lead sheets (melodies and chords), two-line scores (enhanced lead sheets), rhythm section writing (drums, bass, guitar and keyboards), writing for vocals, changing keys, writing for horns, concert and transposed scores, part preparation, and through-composed (completely notated) scores. Also covered will be using Finale to make audio files as a tool for individual vocal or instrumental practice and composition. Finale software and MIDI keyboards are available for this course at the NEC Music Technology lab and NEC students can get a discounted price on buying a copy of Finale software if they so choose.
Prerequisite: This class also requires basic note reading skills (pitch identification on at least treble clef) and the ability to count rhythms in written music.
Music Production and Technology I
Sean Hagon, Instructor
(Also offered as an online course)
Wed 6:00 - 7:00
1 Credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
This course is designed for the music educator looking to gain competency in music technology skills and application in the classroom or for an aspiring or professional musician wishing to experience new and emerging technology trends in the field of music. Music Production and Technology I covers the essential topics a musician should consider when exploring the use of computers and technology as related to the music experience. Discussions of musical styles, forms, history of electronic music and musical elements will be examined. The fundamentals of music technology and the important role they play in music today are also discussed. Topics include multi-track recording, sequencing, music notation, home studios, computer and MIDI applications, sampling, microphones, physics of sound, sound reinforcement, virtual instruments, podcasting, music for film, T.V., multimedia and video games. In addition, students will gain competency in basic multimedia skills including web design, streaming audio and video and file sharing resources. The student will gain hands on experience in our music lab and will be the artist, composer, producer and recording engineer with a final product produced as an online electronic portfolio. No previous music technology experience necessary. This course qualifies for 15 Professional Development Points. Contact the Director of Continuing Education For More Info.
photo by Andrew Hurlbut
Jazz History
Jazz History I
Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tues 7:30 - 8:30 pm
1 credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
FALL SEMESTER ONLY
The first half of 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.
Jazz History II
Rick McLaughlin, Instructor
Tues 7:30 - 8:30 pm
1 credit: $TBA
Non-credit: $TBA
SPRING SEMESTER ONLY
A completion of the history of American jazz as begun in Jazz History I.
Prerequisite: Jazz History I.
2012-05-18
WANDA LANDOWSKA