MUS-1170 Improvisation I

Credits 3
Improvisation I is designed to provide the student with the basic skills, knowledge and techniques to improvise melodies in various stylistic and harmonic contexts, including modal tunes, blues and over ii-V-I chord progressions in major keys. This will be accomplished through transcription (written and performed) of recorded solos, the presentation of theoretical concepts related to improvisation and the application of those concepts in a performance setting.

Prerequisite(s): MUS-1000 , and MUS-1410 with a grade of “C” or higher.
Course Outcomes

Demonstrate through performance knowledge of and ability to play appropriate related scales for each chord type
Demonstrate through performance knowledge of and ability to play major 7, minor 7, and dominant 7 chord arpeggios
Demonstrate through performance ability to play blues and pentatonic scales
Demonstrate through performance ability to compose (through a set of chord changes) guide tone melodies
Analyze transcribed material and convert musical ideas into exercises
Demonstrate through performance ability to transpose exercises into all keys and use them appropriately in various harmonic contexts