THMUS 211J — Jazz Theory II

3 credits
Spring
Sean Smither

Prerequisite: THMUS 111J . This course expands on the study of melody, rhythm, and harmony to examine how each of these parameters intersect and overlap with one another. The relationship between melody and harmony within the jazz tradition will be examined, with an emphasis on writing, improvising, and analyzing melodic lines and chord changes. Students will then learn to distinguish various idiomatic elements of musical styles and their relationships to various Afro-diasporic musical traditions and practices, with special attention given to the ways in which melody and rhythm influence one another in Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musics. Assignments will include transcriptions, short composition assignments, analyses of musical phrases and short pieces, and improvisation exercises.