CMUS 360 Commercial Improvisation Techniques

This course provides opportunity for students to develop skill in strategic areas of vocal or instrumental improvisational technique in commercial music contexts. Investigative studies include the relationship between improvisation and harmonic context in contemporary popular, rock, black gospel, and jazz idioms.

Improvisation has historically been a requisite skill of all musicians. In recent years, this ability has unfortunately been relegated to the ranks of jazz music almost exclusively. The emphasis of this class will be to reintroduce improvisation into the myriad styles in which a musician of this day and age is expected to be proficient. While recognizing and exercising the harmonic material common to all styles studied, also addressed will be the performances subtleties of melody and rhythm of each genre.

No details available.

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore the student will complete one Discussion, creating an initial post and replying to two classmates. The thread must be at least 200 words, and the replies must be at least 100 words each.

The student will submit Video Performance Assignments demonstrating weekly techniques and improvisation skills.

Quizzes (7)

Quizzes will cover material taught in the videos and pdfs.

Quiz: Improv Final

The student will complete an Improv which includes two parts: video submission and written submission. The video will consist of the student playing the melody to and improvising over “How Great Thou Art” or “Blues Play.” The written portion of the exam will have 5 multiple choice and/or short answer questions.