Introduction to jazz arranging and composing
Course description and objectives :
- Writing basics
- The lead-sheet
- Melody / chord-chart correspondence criteria
- Rhythmic modification and notation
- Basic arrangements for quartets and quintets (one or two horns)
- The rhythm section.
Level required: reading music in the G and F clefs.
Arranging
Level I
Continuation of arranging for quintet.
- Counterpoint and guide tones
- Arrangement for four and five horns
- “Close” and “drop” voicing techniques.
- Solo passages.
- Writing for drums.
Level required: Introduction to arranging and composing
Level II
- “Spread” voicings
- Writing for big band
- Conception of full-scale arrangement for large groups
- Orchestration
Recommended reading material: “Sounds and Scores” by H. Mancini
Level required: Level I
Jazz Composition
Level I
- Melodic, harmonic, formal and instrumental basics from the beginning of the modern jazz era (1950s).
- Composition: Jazz-standard, modal, sub-dominant minor and modal-interchange harmony, as well as free changes.
Level required: Introduction to arranging and composing
Level II
Composition in the styles of the great, modern jazz composers: Monk, Mingus, Silver, Mulligan, Evans, Golson, Shorter, etc.
Level required: Level I
NB: A dispensation may be delivered by the teacher for any Jazz arranging and composing course.