This class focuses on exposure to recordings and in-class discussion of the history of jazz, from its African roots through the present day (over the Fall and Spring semesters). There will be listening and reading assignments. Students will give a presentation at the end of each semester on a live jazz performance of their choice.
This course is crucial for jazz students, because it will help them discover which styles of jazz inspire them, and help shape them into more informed listeners. A jazz student must be able to tell their private teacher about their favorite artists or styles, in order for the quickest musical growth to occur, and jazz ensembles draw on many eras of jazz history in each semester's repertoire.
