Fine Art
History of Jazz Music
This course is designed to provide students with a better understanding and appreciation of the history of jazz music. It will explore the development of jazz from its beginnings through present day, emphasizing how culture and society shaped its evolution
About the course
Course Overview
This course is designed to provide students with a better understanding and appreciation of the history of jazz music. It will explore the development of jazz from its beginnings through present day, emphasizing how culture and society shaped its evolution. Students will be introduced to the chronological order of jazz styles, the important composers who pioneered each style, and the components that distinguished each style of jazz. Through listening examples, students will become more aware of what each composer/performer is trying to communicate through their music. By accomplishing the objectives below, students will improve their current listening experiences, discover new avenues of musical enjoyment, and broaden their cultural and historical knowledge.
Textbook: History of Jazz Music - Excel Education Systems, Inc. ©
By the end of the course
Learning Objectives
- Understand the periods of jazz and their relationship to history, culture, and society.
- Identify important jazz composers/performers who contributed to the evolution of jazz.
- Develop knowledge of the vocabulary and elements used in jazz composition.
- Develop listening skills to further understand the expressive qualities of each jazz style.
- Gain an appreciation of jazz by understanding a composer’s personal voice through their music.
Course contents
What You'll Study
Chapter 1: The Beginnings of Jazz
Chapter 2: New Orleans Style Jazz
Chapter 3: Ragtime
Chapter 4: Jazz Piano Styles
Chapter 5: Early Jazz and the Blues
Chapter 6: The Swing Era of Jazz
Chapter 7: Bebop and Cool Jazz
Chapter 8: Latin Jazz
Chapter 9: Hard Bop and Modal Jazz
Chapter 10: Eras of Free, Fusion, and Jazz of Today
Earn your 1.0 credit in History of Jazz Music
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