Contrapuntal Jazz Improvisation for Pianists

Department - PIANO
Offered - Fall, Spring
Course number - PSPN-335

This course offers a step-by-step approach to improvising contrapuntally in a solo piano context. Emphasis on walking bass lines through a series of rhythmic/melodic motives gives the pianist a basis for gaining the independence required to simultaneously improvise in a linear or chordal manner in the right hand. This eventually leads to multi-voice improvisation. Artists studied and transcribed include Lennie Tristano, Dave McKenna, Bill Evans, Brad Mehldau, Oscar Peterson, and Diana Krall. Weekly class performance includes repertoire of the jazz standard literature.

Credits: 2
Course Chair: Stephany Tiernan
Prerequisites: HR-212 and PIPN-112
Required of: None
Electable by: All