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Jazz

Jazz

Jazz

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 Piano

Jazz Combos

Charlie-1

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

Brass Rehearsal Cropped

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 15AJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
MUSIC 15BJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
Group 2: Jazz Piano - Select a minimum of two units from the following (2 units)
MUSIC 138Jazz Piano I1
MUSIC 139Jazz Piano II1
MUSIC 140Jazz Piano III1
MUSIC 141Jazz Piano IV1
Group 3: Jazz Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 151Pop Music Ensemble1
Group 4: Music Theory (12 units)
MUSIC 101Music Theory and Culture I3
MUSIC 102Music Theory and Culture II3
MUSIC 103Music Theory and Culture III3
MUSIC 104Music Theory and Culture IV3
Group 5: Musicianship (Music Skills) (4 units)
MUSIC 121Music Skills I1
MUSIC 122Music Skills II1
MUSIC 123Music Skills III1
MUSIC 124Music Skills IV1
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 15AJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
MUSIC 15BJazz, Blues and Popular Music in the American Culture3
Group 2: Jazz Piano - Select a minimum of one unit from the following (1 unit)
MUSIC 138Jazz Piano I1
MUSIC 139Jazz Piano II1
MUSIC 140Jazz Piano III1
MUSIC 141Jazz Piano IV1
Group 3: Jazz Ensemble Performance - Select a minimum of four units from the following (4 units)
MUSIC 126Jazz Orchestra1
MUSIC 127Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 129Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
MUSIC 144Intermediate Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 145Advanced Jazz Combos1
MUSIC 226Jazz Orchestra Repertoire1
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. 

Faculty

John Gove

John Gove
Faculty (Jazz Performance and Theory)

jgove@peralta.edu