Jazz harmony and ear training 2B

About this course

The course develops listening across unusual song forms, extended and altered harmony, and a broader jazz repertoire. Participants examine rhythmic and melodic ideas, bass-line movement such as tritone substitution, extended voice-leading and scale choices including melodic minor. Teaching combines group listening, discussion, singing musical lines, dictation, chord-recognition exercises, tune study and ensemble rehearsal. Study material includes jazz standards, bebop blues, modal pieces, rhythm changes, bossa nova and contemporary repertoire, with improvisation applied directly to the instruments.

What you'll learn

• Identify and work with less familiar compositional forms and jazz repertoire
• Apply extended and altered harmony, including tritone substitution and voice-leading concepts
• Use further scale options, including melodic minor, in improvisation
• Improvise on study tunes and contribute to small- or large-group ensemble playing

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for improvers with equivalent experience to Jazz harmony and ear training 1a. Learners should already be able to improvise and have a good understanding of the jazz idiom. Participation includes group listening, singing, discussion, class exercises and ensemble rehearsal.

• Previous study or equivalent experience is required
• Existing improvisation ability is expected
• The course involves regular small- or large-group playing

Before you go

• Participants should bring their own instrument.
• A piano and amplifiers are supplied.