Courses
Jazz Improvisation Techniques 3
An intermediate-level course introducing approaches to improvisation that require a solid background in harmonic and tonal concepts.
Jazz Interpretation
Development of a personal and individual jazz style through emphasis on reading, improvisation, and interpretative techniques.
Jazz Improvisation Techniques 4
An upper-level course recommended for students with well-developed improvisation skills and concepts who are interested in further developing their own personal style through detailed application.
Jazz Improvisation Techniques 5
An advanced course recommended for students who have already begun to develop their own personal musical styles.
Jazz Improvisation Techniques 6
An advanced course offering sophisticated approaches and concepts.
Motown
A performance-based study of the musical style originated by Motown Records, which, under the leadership of founder/president Berry Gordy, musically bridged racial lines during the highly sensitive
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
This course is intended to provide an opportunity for students to identify, recognize, and study the great creators, performers, and pioneers of rock and popular music.
The Pop/Rock Player/Vocalist
Designed for the pop/rock rhythm section player or instrumentalists, this course develops the skill of singing and playing simultaneously.
Stage Performance Workshop 1 - Rock and Pop Idiom
A performance class for vocalists and instrumentalists interested in developing skills involved in live performance.
Stage Performance Workshop 2 - Rock and Pop Idiom
Continuation of PST-471. In-class performances will be videotaped and critiqued for effectiveness in movement and presentation.
Standard Jazz Repertoire 1
Building and retaining a functional repertoire of approximately 30 selected standards and jazz standards that form a common vocabulary and basis for study among jazz musicians.
Standard Jazz Repertoire 2
A sequel to PSIJ-215, this course continues the process of building and retaining a functional repertoire of jazz standards in bebop, Latin, ballad, and contemporary styles.
Jazz Improvisation Techniques 1
An ideal follow-up to PSIJ-211, this performance-centered class introduces basic skills essential to effective improvisation.
Jazz Improvisation Techniques 2
An expansion of the fundamental improvisational skills developed in PSIJ-221, with the introduction of techniques that will further enhance the student's personal improvisational style.
Turntable Technique
Students will develop basic skills using the turntable both as a means of live expression and performance and as a production tool. Weekly hands-on exercises will be emphasized.
Singers Night Performance Ensemble
Performance ensemble comprised of piano, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, horns and vocalists.
A Cappella Ensemble
This ensemble is available for vocalists. Though participants do not need to be voice principals, they should have the vocal and musicianship training necessary for this type of performance.
Acoustic Blues
The Acoustic Blues ensemble will meet weekly for a supervised rehearsal. The ensemble is open to voice, guitar, bass, piano, drums, violin, and mandolin principals.
Traditional Gospel
Medium-sized vocal ensemble with emphasis on traditional gospel music. In this course, students will participate in weekly supervised rehearsals.
Spirituals
Small vocal ensemble with emphasis on traditional spirituals. In this course, students will participate in weekly rehearsals.