What You’ll Learn
- Jazz Harmony Principles: Understanding core concepts like chord extensions and alterations.
- Chord Progressions: Exploring common jazz progressions (ii-V-I) and their variations.
- Modal Interchange: Learning to borrow chords from parallel modes.
- Voicing Techniques: Studying different voicing methods for improving arrangements.
- Improvisation Skills: Developing improvisation techniques over complex chords.
- Ear Training: Enhancing the ability to recognize jazz harmonies and intervals.
- Arranging for Ensembles: Techniques for arranging jazz pieces for different instrumentations.
- Transcription: Learning to transcribe solos and chord changes from recordings.
- Use of Lead Sheets: Practicing reading and interpreting jazz lead sheets.
- Composition Techniques: Exploring methods for writing original jazz compositions.
- Scales and Modes: Familiarity with jazz scales and modes used in improvisation.
Requirements and Course Approach
Prerequisites
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Foundational Knowledge: Depending on the subject, students may need basic understanding in areas such as mathematics, science, or a specific software tool.
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Course Placement: Some courses might require a placement exam or prior completion of introductory courses to ensure students have the necessary background.
- Materials: Students might be expected to have access to certain textbooks, online resources, or software that aligns with the course objectives.
Learning Style
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Diverse Learning Approaches: The instructor accommodates various learning styles, integrating visual, auditory, and kinesthetic elements into the curriculum. For instance:
- Visual learners: Use of diagrams, flowcharts, and videos.
- Auditory learners: Lectures supplemented by discussions and podcasts.
- Kinesthetic learners: Hands-on activities, labs, or interactive simulations.
- Self-Directed Learning: Encouragement for students to engage in independent study, fostering a growth mindset and self-motivation.
Course Format
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Hybrid Model: A combination of synchronous (live) and asynchronous (recorded) sessions, allowing flexibility.
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Interactive Lectures: Use of polls and Q&A sessions to foster engagement and gauge understanding in real time.
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Group Work: Embedding collaborative projects to encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and real-world application of concepts.
- Assignments and Assessments: Regular quizzes, reflective essays, and practical assessments to evaluate student progress and knowledge retention.
Teaching Approach
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Socratic Method: Encouragement of critical thinking through questioning, allowing students to explore concepts deeply rather than passively receive information.
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Real-World Applications: The instructor incorporates case studies, current events, or industry examples to connect theory to practice.
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Feedback Loops: Regular, constructive feedback is provided on assignments, promoting continuous improvement and addressing misconceptions.
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Tech Integration: Utilization of educational technologies (e.g., LMS platforms, discussion boards, and digital simulations) to enhance learning experiences.
- Office Hours and Support: Open-door policy for one-on-one sessions, ensuring students can seek additional help and clarification.
This structured yet flexible approach aims to create a supportive learning environment that addresses diverse student needs and encourages mastery of the subject matter.
Who This Course Is For
The ideal students for the course "Maîtriser l’harmonisation Jazz" would be:
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Intermediate Musicians: Students should have a foundational understanding of music theory and performance, particularly in chord structures and scales. Those who can play an instrument fluently, such as piano or guitar, will benefit the most.
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Aspiring Jazz Musicians: Individuals aiming to deepen their knowledge of jazz harmony, including jazz guitarists, pianists, and vocalists who wish to expand their improvisational skills and repertoire.
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Composition Enthusiasts: Students interested in writing jazz compositions or arrangements who want to learn how to effectively use harmony to create depth and emotion in their music.
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Ensemble Players: Musicians who play in jazz bands or combos, seeking to enhance their ability to interact harmonically with other musicians and improve their listening skills.
- Dedicated Practitioners: Individuals who are committed to practicing regularly, with a willingness to explore complex jazz harmonies and apply them in real-world settings.
While some basic knowledge of jazz and music notation is beneficial, the course is designed to challenge students looking to advance from basic to more sophisticated harmonic concepts in jazz.
