Jun 16, 2024  
Juilliard Extension Division Spring 2024 
    
Juilliard Extension Division Spring 2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Jazz


 


Application Information

View our Jazz offerings that require an online application to be considered for enrollment.

Click here to apply for all Jazz Theory & Analysis courses. Application deadline: Tuesday, January 16; 5pm ET.

Click here to apply for Jazz PianoApplication deadline: Wednesday, January 17; 5pm ET.

Courses

Jazz Theory & Analysis

  • EVDIV 13 - Jazz Theory & Analysis I


    Sean Smither
    Jazz Theory & Analysis I is a course designed to establish a strong foundation for the study of jazz. Like grasping the fundamentals of any language, mastering jazz theory lays the groundwork for expressive improvisation, inventive composition, and savvy arranging in dynamic jazz styles. This course explores the intricacies of melody, varied rhythmic grooves, and the color palette of jazz harmony. We’ll delve into the principles of harmonic progression, the interplay of rhythmic patterns, and the development of ear training skills for dissecting jazz compositions and spontaneous improvisations.

    Detailed study and analysis of celebrated jazz standards will help to develop fluency in the language of jazz. While beneficial for those studying Jazz Piano, this course is a suggested starting point for all interested in the genre. A background in reading Western music notation, understanding of basic scales and chords, and familiarity with Roman numeral analysis is expected. For a comprehensive grasp of the material, prior completion of Elements of Music Theory is advised. This course can serve as a standalone experience or as preparation for Jazz Theory & Analysis II.

    Sample Course Syllabus

    13 weeks; 0 credits

    Mondays 7:30–9:30pm ET

    January 22–April 29

    Online Only

    $910 

    APPLY ONLINE >

  • EVDIV 14 - Jazz Theory & Analysis II


    Sean Smither
    Jazz Theory & Analysis II is tailored for those with prior experience in jazz theory and practice. This course dives deeper into the connection between melody, harmony, and rhythm that lies at the center of jazz improvisation and composition. We’ll explore how these elements interact to inform the structure of solos and underpin the improvisational and compositional process. Through the study of sophisticated harmonic frameworks and scalar theory, we’ll analyze iconic jazz standards and solos. We’ll also unravel the complexities of polyrhythms, syncopation, and grooves, from classic swing feel to Afro-Caribbean rhythms. By the end of this course, you’ll have a toolkit filled with new concepts and approaches ready to be applied to your improvisation, composition, and arranging pursuits. Completion of Jazz Theory & Analysis I is required, setting the stage for the more advanced topics covered in this course.

    Sample Course Syllabus

    13 weeks; 0 credits

    Wednesdays 7:30–9:30pm ET

    January 24–April 24

    Online Only

    $910 

    APPLY ONLINE >

Jazz Piano

  • EVDIV 143 - Jazz Piano


    Art Williford
    These courses are designed to develop the skills and aesthetics required of jazz pianists. Students are placed into classes according to their ability and musical goals, ensuring an appropriately challenging curriculum for working music professionals and hobbyists of all levels. Beginning students learn to read chord symbols, create solo piano arrangements from a lead sheet, and “comp” in trio settings. Intermediate and advanced students complete transcription projects, refine their improvisational skills, and learn more complex chord voicings. Two sessions with a rhythm section comprising Juilliard Jazz musicians give all students an invaluable and enjoyable opportunity to practice what they have learned. This course is intended for proficient pianists who can read music (both treble and bass clef) and are familiar with musical fundamentals including major and minor scales, triads, key signatures, note values, etc. Students may join in either fall or spring; however, spring placements are contingent on midyear vacancies.​ Placement application required.

    11 weeks

    Tuesdays 5:15–7:15pm ET or 7:30–9:30pm ET

    February 6–April 23

    In Person Only

    $1,375 per semester 

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Jazz History & Appreciation

  • EVDOL 36 - African-American Music History


    Damien Sneed
    The course will examine a variety of musical genres beginning with the music of West Africa and moving to Plantations songs (spirituals, work songs), Ethiopian Minstrelsy, music of the Mississippi Delta, Blues, Ragtime, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues and Art Music. Such figures as Master Juba, Francis Johnson, Richard Allen, Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, Robert Johnson, Ma Rainey, Thomas A. Dorsey, Marian Anderson, William Grant Still, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Jay-Z and others will be discussed. All of these individuals helped to shape and define music of the African-American Diaspora. This course will also explore the global impact and rich diversity of African-American musical expression. By taking a thematic approach, students will see how African-American music has both shaped and been shaped by the social contexts in which it is created and performed. Readings and discussions will encompass African American music from spirituals and work songs to bebop and hip hop, from Duke Ellington to N.W.A., from Bessie Smith to Stevie Wonder, from James Reese Europe to Bob Marley, all of which will help us explore the rich set of meanings black music has held in the Americas for over four hundred years.

    Biography: As a multi-genre recording artist and instrumentalist, Damien Sneed is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer, conductor, arranger, producer, and arts educator whose work spans multiple genres. He has worked with jazz, classical, pop, and R&B legends, including the late Aretha Franklin and Jessye Norman, which he is featured on Norman’s final recording, Bound For The Promised Land on Albany Records. He also worked with Wynton Marsalis, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Ashford & Simpson, J’Nai Bridges, Lawrence Brownlee, Brandie Inez Sutton and many others. Sneed has served as music director for Grammy Award-winning gospel artists The Clark Sisters, Richard Smallwood, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole and Kim Burrell, among others. Sneed is a 2020 Dove Award winner and 2021 NAACP Image Award winner for his work as a featured producer and writer on the Clark Sisters’ newest project, “The Return”, released on March 13, 2020. damiensneed.com

    5 weeks

    Tuesdays 6–7:30pm ET

    February 20–March 26

    Online Only

    $255