Since it’s founding, our department has offered students the opportunity to work with mentors who are both seasoned performers and highly trained educators. We are proud to announce a new Jazz AA and Jazz Certificate of Achievement, which can be earned along side either the AA or AA-T in Music, without duplicating coursework. Some students may also want to take advantage of courses in our Music Industry Program, including: Electronic Music and MIDI, Songwriting, Music Business, and Live Sound. Our Jazz offerings include:
Jazz Piano
In the Jazz Piano Class at Laney College, students learn the fundamentals of how modern Jazz pianists play chords and improvise melodies. The class is aimed at beginning and intermediate piano students. Beginning students must have at least a rudimentary understanding of the piano keyboard (one semester of Beginning Piano, Music 130, is recommended). Jazz Theory is discussed along the way- including: chord symbols, Jazz voicings, ii-v-I chord progressions, and Jazz scales.
Jazz Combos
Award winning director Charlie Gurke directs small ensembles playing modern Jazz standards. Occasional offsite gigs and collaboration with the Jazz Orchestra. (Successful audition required)
Jazz Combos
Director Charlie Gurke leads a large Jazz Ensemble in exciting repertoire including old standards, Latin Jazz, and new arrangements. (Successful audition required)
Degrees
Here are the requirements for both certificate and AA degree.
The Jazz Associate in Arts Degree recognizes mastery of Jazz essentials. Students will examine basic Jazz theory, performance techniques, improvisation skills, and Jazz history; chord voicings, alphabet system, evolution of styles from Blues and Ragtime to the present; ensemble playing techniques including: blending, tone production, chart reading, and solo improvisation. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, compose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies towards a baccalaureate degree.
Career Opportunities
Performer, recording artist, arranger, composer, music teacher, promoter, arts management, arts administration, music critic, music consultant.
Course Sequence
| Group 1: Jazz History - (6 units) | ||
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 15A | Jazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture | 3 |
| MUSIC 15B | Jazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture | 3 |
| Group 2: Jazz Piano - Select a minimum of two units from the following (2 units) | ||
| MUSIC 138 | Jazz Piano I | 1 |
| MUSIC 139 | Jazz Piano II | 1 |
| MUSIC 140 | Jazz Piano III | 1 |
| MUSIC 141 | Jazz Piano IV | 1 |
| Group 3: Jazz Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units) | ||
| MUSIC 126 | Jazz Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSIC 127 | Jazz Combos | 1 |
| MUSIC 129 | Jazz Orchestra Repertoire | 1 |
| MUSIC 144 | Intermediate Jazz Combos | 1 |
| MUSIC 145 | Advanced Jazz Combos | 1 |
| MUSIC 151 | Pop Music Ensemble | 1 |
| Group 4: Music Theory (12 units) | ||
| MUSIC 101 | Music Theory and Culture I | 3 |
| MUSIC 102 | Music Theory and Culture II | 3 |
| MUSIC 103 | Music Theory and Culture III | 3 |
| MUSIC 104 | Music Theory and Culture IV | 3 |
| Group 5: Musicianship (Music Skills) (4 units) | ||
| MUSIC 121 | Music Skills I | 1 |
| MUSIC 122 | Music Skills II | 1 |
| MUSIC 123 | Music Skills III | 1 |
| MUSIC 124 | Music Skills IV | 1 |
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS: | 28 | |
| General Education Requirements: | 19 | |
| Electives to Meet 60 Units: | ||
| Total Units: | 60 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify, construct, and play elements of Jazz Theory including: Chord construction, proper use of Alphabet Chord Symbols, use of Medieval church modes, diminished scales, whole tone scales, Lydian dominants, Blues scales, and melodic minor modes.
- Jazz History: Successful students will identify, explain, and analyze concepts from the history of Jazz.
- Performance: Successful students will synthesize their knowledge of style (Jazz history), theory (use of correct modes and chord voicings), and other improvisation techniques into live public performances.
The Jazz Certificate of Achievement recognizes mastery of Jazz essentials. Students will examine basic Jazz theory, performance techniques, improvisation skills, and Jazz History; Chord voicings, Alphabet System, evolution of styles from Blues and Ragtime to the present; ensemble playing techniques including: blending, tone production, chart reading, and solo improvisation. After completing this program, students will be able to play concerts, com- pose music, participate in recording sessions, or continue with their studies towards an associate degree.
Career Opportunities
Music teacher, performer, recording artist, promoter, arts management, arts administration
Course Sequence
| Group 1: Jazz History (6 units) | ||
|---|---|---|
| MUSIC 15A | Jazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture | 3 |
| MUSIC 15B | Jazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture | 3 |
| Group 2: Jazz Piano - Select a minimum of one unit from the following (1 unit) | ||
| MUSIC 138 | Jazz Piano I | 1 |
| MUSIC 139 | Jazz Piano II | 1 |
| MUSIC 140 | Jazz Piano III | 1 |
| MUSIC 141 | Jazz Piano IV | 1 |
| Group 3: Jazz Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units) | ||
| MUSIC 126 | Jazz Orchestra | 1 |
| MUSIC 127 | Jazz Combos | 1 |
| MUSIC 129 | Jazz Orchestra Repertoire | 1 |
| MUSIC 144 | Intermediate Jazz Combos | 1 |
| MUSIC 145 | Advanced Jazz Combos | 1 |
| MUSIC 226 | Jazz Orchestra Repertoire | 1 |
| TOTAL MAJOR UNITS: | 11 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Identify, construct, and play elements of Jazz Theory including: Chord construction, proper useof Alphabet Chord Symbols, use of Medieval church modes, diminished scales, whole tone scales, Lydian dominants, Blues scales, and melodic minor modes.
- Jazz History: Successful students will identify, explain, and analyze concepts from the history of Jazz.
- Performance: Successful students will synthesize their knowledge of style (Jazz history), theory (use of correct modes and chord voicings), and other improvisation techniques into live public performances.
John Gove
Faculty (Jazz Performance and Theory)
