Description

A comprehensive introduction to the foundational elements of jazz harmony and improvisation. Students will learn how to build and connect chords, understand functional harmony, and improvise using scales, modes, and guide tones. The course focuses on developing an understanding of diatonic harmony, common progressions, swing rhythm, and interpreting lead sheets.

Key Areas:

• Chord construction (triads, seventh chords, thirteenth chords)
• Diatonic harmony and functional relationships
• Basic progressions (ii-V-I and others)
• Scales and modes (major, harmonic minor and melodic minor modes, blues scale)
• Guide tones, voice leading, and rhythmic concepts
• Basic improvisation concepts and ear training

Course or Instrument Type

Theory / Composition

Location

Ensemble Room 329 at VSO School of Music

Instructor

Jodi Proznick