| Fall Term | Jazz Language I Sep 16–Dec 9, 2026 | Enroll Now |
| Winter Term | Jazz Language II Jan 6–Mar 10, 2027 | Enroll Now |
| Spring Term | Jazz Language III Mar 31–Jun 16, 2027 | Enroll Now |
Jazz Language I
A comprehensive introduction to the foundational elements of jazz harmony and improvisation. Students will learn how to build and connect chords, understand functional harmony, and improvise using scales, modes, and guide tones. The course focuses on developing an understanding of diatonic harmony, common progressions, swing rhythm, and interpreting lead sheets.
Key Areas:
- Chord construction (triads, seventh chords, thirteenth chords)
- Diatonic harmony and functional relationships
- Basic progressions (ii-V-I and others)
- Scales and modes (major, harmonic minor and melodic minor modes, blues scale)
- Guide tones, voice leading, and rhythmic concepts
- Basic improvisation concepts and ear training
Jazz Language II: Jazz Form & Composition
This course explores the structures and forms that shape jazz repertoire and provides tools for original composition. Students will analyze classic and modern jazz forms, learn to compose melodies and chord progressions, and develop their own small-form compositions. Emphasis will be placed on form recognition, melodic development, and integrating harmonic knowledge from Jazz Language I.
Key Areas:
- Common jazz forms (12-bar blues, 32-bar AABA, rhythm changes, modal forms)
- Form analysis in classic and modern jazz standards
- Writing lead sheets and original heads
- Composing melodies over standard and original progressions and analyzing improvisations
- Voice-leading, harmonic flow, and chord substitutions in composition
- Developing a compositional voice in jazz
Jazz Language III: Jazz Arranging & Advanced Composition
An advanced course focused on arranging for small and medium jazz ensembles and expanding compositional techniques. Students will learn how to arrange existing melodies for various instrumentations, create harmonized sections, write counterlines, and develop intros, endings, and interludes. The course also covers advanced reharmonization and orchestration concepts. Recommended for students who have completed Jazz Language II or have equivalent experience.
Key Areas:
- Arranging for small jazz combos (trios and quartets) and larger groups (quintets and sextets)
- Voicing techniques, harmonized melodies, and background figures
- Writing for rhythm section and horns
- Advanced reharmonization and substitutions
- Developing intros, interludes, codas, and ensemble textures
- Orchestrating with modern jazz arranging concepts