MUTH 465 - Jazz Composition & Arranging

2 hours
This course consists of three components, viz., listening, analysis, and composing. It includes listening and analysis of iconic examples of compositions characteristic of certain jazz styles which are the 12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA jazz standard, modal and through-composed compositions, lead-sheet form, and intros/endings. Three key composition components will be explored, which are harmonic movement, melodic phrasing and construction, and rhythmic approaches. The arranging portion will cover: basic arranging techniques for small to medium ensembles including rhythm section. Conventional and contemporary voicing will be studied and applied to student’s original compositions and jazz standards, and reharmonization techniques. Styles will include swing, Latin, and modal compositions. Other topics will include transposition, notation, and score set-up.

Prerequisite(s): MUTH 360 and successful completion of MUAP 225 . UG