Jazz harmony, ear training and ensembles: intermediate

About this course

The course examines how melodies, chord progressions and functional harmony operate in jazz. Teaching combines lecture-style theory with listening, singing, ear-training exercises, written assignments and practical playing. Topics include chord functions, Roman numeral analysis, chord-scale relationships, tensions, modal harmony, voice-leading, secondary dominants, diminished harmony and minor-key modes. Participants study jazz standards and play tunes in swing, funk and Latin feels, alongside improvisation, vocal improvisation, performance and small-ensemble practice. Repertoire includes blues, standards and modal pieces.

What you'll learn

• Recognise and reproduce intervals, chord types and chord extensions by ear.
• Transcribe melodies and bass lines through structured ear training.
• Analyse common jazz standards using chord functions, Roman numerals and chord-scale choices.
• Apply voice-leading, secondary dominants, tritone substitution and modal harmony in jazz contexts.
• Play and improvise on study tunes by ear, from memory and from chord symbols.
• Perform, sing and improvise within a jazz ensemble.

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for intermediate musicians with a good working knowledge of harmony, strong music-reading skills and proficiency on an instrument. Entry involves a harmony and aural test plus a recording of the applicant’s playing. Previous jazz experience is advantageous, and participants should be prepared for ensemble playing, singing and performance work.

• Entry is by audition, including harmony and aural testing.
• Applicants submit a recording of their playing.
• Pianists and guitarists are recommended to complete jazz instrumental courses before joining this level.
• The course includes group playing, singing, vocal improvisation and performance.

Before you go

• No book is mandatory, although supplementary jazz books or internet research may be suggested.
• Additional learning resources are available through Google Classroom.