Central Methodist University Department of Music
MU310, Commercial/Jazz Music Theory
3 credits
Fall 2020
Meeting Time and Location:
Mon/Wed/Fri 1p-1:50p, Swinney Conservatory 100
Dr. David Witter
Classic Hall 202-C
660-651-9964, dwitter@centralmethodist.edu, office hours by appointment
Mission
Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
Description
The fundamentals of commercial and jazz music, integrating basic materials and skills. A study of extended harmonies, modes, scales, and harmonic progressions relevant to the style. An analysis of the melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, and form related components. Many assignments will be completed with the use of notation and sequencing software. Prerequisite: MU207.
Purposes
- To expand the language of music theory through the study of the jazz and commercial music idiom
- To apply the language of jazz and commercial theory to musical excerpts and pieces
- To understand the theory of jazz and commercial music not only visually but aurally
Outcomes
The successful student will:
- Identify, spell, and construct fundamental through advanced melodic and harmonic structures germane to early through modern jazz
- Analyze these structures and their functions in the pieces from the core repertoire of American jazz
- Apply these structures and functions by creating short compositions and arrangements using the core repertoire as a model
- Sing and/or play materials covered in class
Assessment activities (student mastery of outcomes will be demonstrated through the following activities)
- Complete regular exercises that address visual and aural components of the language
- Analyze excerpts of real pieces
- Participate in class discussion
Proposed Texts
Various musical scores
Kachulis, J. (2005). The songwriter’s workshop: harmony. Boston: Berklee Press.
Levine, M. (1995). The jazz theory book. New York: Sher Music Company.
Course Grades
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79%= C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
Facemask Policy
Wearing a face mask is about protecting others, our Central Methodist Community and the communities we work in. The primary purpose of wearing a face mask is to reduce the probability of virus spreading from the wearer (who may not know they are spreading the virus) into the environment and to others. The secondary purpose of the face covering is to reduce the likelihood that large droplets containing virus that are spread by others may enter the nose and mouth of the wearer. The use of a face mask does not replace the continued need to maintain physical distances from others, at least 6 feet, but instead augments physical distancing and helps us further reduce the likelihood of virus transmission.
A face mask is a cloth, bandana, or other type of material that covers an individual’s mouth and nose. The CDC lists five criteria for “cloth face coverings,” which should:
- Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
- Be secured with ties or ear loops
- Include multiple layers of fabric
- Allow for breathing without restriction
- Be able to be cleaned or laundered and machine-dried without damage or change to shape.
The complete CMU Face Mask Policy is available at:
https://www.centralmethodist.edu/about/offices/human-resources/_docs/FaceCoveringPolicy.pdf
Absence Policy
Attendance may not be tied to grades in any way in Fall 2020. If there are extenuating circumstances that require your absence, please contact me within 24 hours of any rehearsal or performance you are expected to be at. Please keep in mind that we expect you to be at required classes, but that we also all expect that you pay attention to your own health and your role in keeping your neighbors healthy as well.
COVID-19 symptoms include fever, dry cough, unusual tiredness, gastro-intestinal distress, change in sense of smell or taste. If you are experiencing symptoms, please attend class on Zoom. For a more thorough list of symptoms visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.
Class Cancellation
In the event of a class, I will notify you via email within 24 hours of the event.
Non-discrimination Policy
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability. This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.
The procedures, described in the university’s catalog, are intended to guide and assist faculty, staff, and students in complying with this policy and in determining reasonable accommodations to be made for the federally defined disability claimed. All materials and information regarding disabilities will be governed by the University’s normal policies regarding privacy.
Students Requiring Special Accommodations
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability/state defined handicap ("disability"). This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements. The Center for Learning & Teaching at Central Methodist University is committed to ensuring nondiscrimination and equal access to all programs, service, and activities for qualified students with a disability. It is the responsibility of any student who wishes to claim a disability and seek an accommodation to file official documentation confirming the disability and a completed Disability Services Student Information Form with the Center of Learning and Teaching prior to seeking any accommodation based on the disability.
Grievance Policy
Central Methodist University has established a grievance policy and process designed to provide students and others with a process to resolve potential issues. This policy and process is established to provide persons with an avenue to file a written concern and to establish a process to track and implement changes as a result of said concern. For more detailed information, consult the CLAS catalog at: https://clas-catalog.centralmethodist.edu/info/University%20Policies.html#info13-grievance
If an issue cannot be solved through consultation with the faculty or division chair, students can report an incident/issue within 30 days of the event via the online web form https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralMethodistUniv&layout_id=3
Health and Safety for Musicians
Musicians face a number of health and safety issues, particularly in applied lessons and ensembles. Hearing concerns, vocal health, and muscle injuries are a concern for faculty and students. Awareness and education are key to preventing harmful habits or injuries.
In addition to the information shared with you in lessons and rehearsals, there is material available to you regarding best practices for maintaining hearing, vocal, and muscular health. Helpful information is posted on the Fine Arts section of the CMU webpage.
http://www.centralmethodist.edu/student-life/services-and-resources/music-resources.php
Academic Conduct Policy
Your projects must represent your work and your ideas. Ideas incorporated into your work that are not your own must be properly documented.
Students are expected to follow the CMU Academic Conduct Policy as outlined on the CMU website. Any evidence of academic misconduct may have any or all of the following consequences:
- Grade of zero on the individual assignment.
- Grade of F in the class.
- Dismissal from the class.
- A notation of academic misconduct on your transcript.
The Dean of the University may take additional action, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.
Academic Property
All work (original or copy) submitted by the student to satisfy the requirements of the course may be retained at the discretion of the instructor for non-profit and educational purposes. Such work is generally used for assessing the course and providing evidence of student accomplishment for review by accrediting agencies. Any student wishing to prohibit such use of their work may do so by notifying the instructor in writing.
Assignments
Homework
Assignments related to current discussion and reading from The Jazz Theory Book (JTB).
Projects
Students must record a video performance of the Practice Writing Exercise from the end of each Lesson of the assigned Unit in The Songwriter’s Workshop: Harmony (SW). Performance should be accompanied by a metronome or drum track. Students must submit a notated transcription of the last Practice Writing Exercise for each unit.
Quizzes
These quizzes may be planned, or take form as a pop quiz. Content will be germane to reading, homework, and discussion from The Jazz Theory Book (JTB).
Final
Evaluations based on all reading, class discussions, and assignments. Content will be cumulative.
Class Discussion/Participation
A weekly or bi-weekly evaluation of your engagement in class.
Grade Weight
Assignments/Participation 20%
Quizzes 40%
Final 40%
Class Calendar
(Schedule and assignments subject to change at Professor’s discretion.)
|
Date
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Topic
|
Due
|
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August 19
|
JTB Chapter 2: The Major Scale and the II-V-I Progression
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|
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August 21
|
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JTB 2.a
|
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August 24
|
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JTB 2.b
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August 26
|
SW Unit I: Generating a Groove
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JTB 2.c
|
|
August 28
|
|
|
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August 31
|
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JTB 2.d, JTB Chapter 2 Quiz
|
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September 2
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JTB Chapter 3: Chord/Scale Theory
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SW Unit I
|
|
September 4
|
|
|
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September 7
|
Labor Day
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|
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September 9
|
|
|
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September 11
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SW Unit II: Chord Colors and Lyric Stories
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JTB 3.a, 3.b
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September 14
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JTB 3.c, JTB Chapter 3 Quiz
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September 16
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|
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September 18
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SW Unit II, JTB 4.a
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September 21
|
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JTB Chapter 4 Quiz
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September 23
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JTB Chapter 5: Slash Chords/SW Unit IV: Power Progressions
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|
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September 25
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|
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September 28
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JTB 5.a, JTB Chapter 5 Quiz
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September 30
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JTB Chapter 9: Pentatonic Scales/SW Unit V: Rhythm Variations of Progressions
|
SW Unit III
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October 2
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JTB 9.a
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October 5
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JTB Chapter 9 Quiz
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October 7
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JTB Chapter 10: The Blues/SW Unit VI: Pitch Variations of Progressions
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|
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October 9
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SW Unit IV, JTB 10.a
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October 12
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October 14
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JTB 10.b
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October 16
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JTB Take Home Quiz
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October 19
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SW Unit VI Project due
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October 21
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JTB Chapter 11: “Rhythm” Changes/SW Unit VII: Harmony and Melody
|
SW Unit V
|
|
October 23
|
|
JTB 11.a
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October 26
|
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JTB Chapter 11 Quiz
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October 28
|
JTB Chapter 13: Basic Reharmonization/SW Unit VIII: Home and Away
|
SW Unit VI
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October 30
|
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JTB 13.a
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November 2
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JTB 13.b
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November 4
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JTB 13.c
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November 6
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JTB 13.d
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November 9
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JTB Chapter 13 Quiz
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November 11
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JTB Chapter 14: Advanced Reharmonization/SW Unit IX: Modulation
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SW Unit VII
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November 13
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JTB 14.a
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November 16
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JTB Chapter 14 Quiz
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November 18
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JTB Chapter 17: Song Form and Composition
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SW Unit VIII
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November 20
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JTB 17.a
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November 23
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Thanksgiving Recess
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No Classes
|
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November 25
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Thanksgiving Recess
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No Classes
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November 27
|
Thanksgiving Recess
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No Classes
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November 30
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JTB 17.b
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December 2
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JTB Chapter 18: Reading a Lead Sheet
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JTB Chapter 17 Quiz
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December 4
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JTB 18.a
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December 7
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Review
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JTB Chapter 18 Quiz
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December 9
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Final Examination
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JTB—The Jazz Theory Book
SW—The Songwriter’s Workshop: Harmony
Zoom Links:
MONDAY:
David Witter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Commercial/Jazz Theory
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/j/97563390915?pwd=cStDOTBoekNFT1cvWllFSGpXUkRXQT09
Meeting ID: 975 6339 0915
Passcode: 561207
One tap mobile
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Meeting ID: 975 6339 0915
Passcode: 561207
Find your local number: https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/u/acTOm8fECm
Join by SIP
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Join by H.323
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69.174.57.160 (Canada)
207.226.132.110 (Japan)
Meeting ID: 975 6339 0915
Passcode: 561207
WEDNESDAY:
David Witter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Commercial/Jazz Theory
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/j/94581042704?pwd=ME5MZGtHaWI1L05WMlRaYXlPY010dz09
Meeting ID: 945 8104 2704
Passcode: 868453
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,94581042704#,,,,,,0#,,868453# US (Chicago)
+19294362866,,94581042704#,,,,,,0#,,868453# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 945 8104 2704
Passcode: 868453
Find your local number: https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/u/acTOm8fECm
Join by SIP
94581042704@zoomcrc.com
Join by H.323
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
213.244.140.110 (Germany)
103.122.166.55 (Australia)
149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
69.174.57.160 (Canada)
207.226.132.110 (Japan)
Meeting ID: 945 8104 2704
Passcode: 868453
FRIDAYS:
David Witter is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Commercial/Jazz Theory
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/j/94435032685?pwd=Vm9VbFBrRzMwemlUbVJZZVkxV1pEQT09
Meeting ID: 944 3503 2685
Passcode: 159486
One tap mobile
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+13017158592,,94435032685#,,,,,,0#,,159486# US (Germantown)
Dial by your location
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 944 3503 2685
Passcode: 159486
Find your local number: https://centralmethodist.zoom.us/u/acTOm8fECm
Join by SIP
94435032685@zoomcrc.com
Join by H.323
162.255.37.11 (US West)
162.255.36.11 (US East)
115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)
115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
213.19.144.110 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
213.244.140.110 (Germany)
103.122.166.55 (Australia)
149.137.40.110 (Singapore)
64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
69.174.57.160 (Canada)
207.226.132.110 (Japan)
Meeting ID: 944 3503 2685
Passcode: 159486