JZMUS 506-507 — Jazz Voice Seminar

1 credit per semester
Fall and Spring
Carla Cook

This course covers the storytelling aspect of Jazz, taking into consideration not only the tradition of the Great American Songbook, but the sociopolitical viewpoint, the humor, odd meter compositions, and the Blues, with heavy emphasis on the bedrock of Swing. We will address the full spectrum of Jazz from its precursor, the Blues, to students’ own present-day lyric writing. Classes will include listening sessions with live and/or recorded music performed by the instructor as well as audio and video recordings of varying styles and periods. Highly skilled guest lecturers will present masterclasses intermittently throughout the school year and a licensed professional will address vocal health early in the semester. Students will be required to compose, craft lyrics, and perform during scheduled class meetings.