Jazz Harmony and Ear Training Applied: Practical Skills for Playing Jazz (C)

About this course

The course combines weekly playing sessions on jazz standards with ear-training exercises covering chords, harmonic and root progressions, intervals, rhythms, scales and modes. Participants also practise some a cappella singing based on jazz standards, examine recorded solos to identify their structure and techniques, and study common song forms and solo transcription. Tutor-led coaching focuses on approaches to playing over standards and developing harmonic and rhythmic ideas during improvisation. Homework and feedback support work between classes, while listening examples are used to explore how solos sustain harmonic and rhythmic interest.

What you'll learn

• Recognise chords, intervals, rhythms, scales, modes and common harmonic progressions by ear.
• Apply different approaches to playing over jazz standards in guided sessions.
• Analyse common song structures and transcribe jazz solos.
• Strengthen time feel and rhythmic control for improvising.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for intermediate jazz instrumentalists and requires previous study of Terms 1 and 2 of Jazz Harmony and Ear Training, or equivalent knowledge from playing experience or private study. Participation includes regular group playing, tutor feedback and practice between classes.

• Regular practice outside class is expected.
• The course is designed for learners who play a jazz instrument.

Before you go

• Participants need to bring their instrument to most classes.
• Guitarists and bassists need to bring their own lead.
• Amps are provided by the college.