Stanford Root

Schedule

Stanford Root

Schedule

MUSIC 120D

Jazz Improvisation

UNITS:1-3
GRADING:Letter or Credit/No Credit
LEVEL:Undergrad
GER:WAY-CE

This class will focus on developing a deeper understanding of, and capacity for, jazz improvisation -- as it relates to individual expression as well as group interaction, communication, and cohesion. In-class soloing and ensemble playing; guided listening; ear training; internalization; personalization; and an awareness of the historical evolution of the jazz improvisational language will all be emphasized. The coursework will be primarily based on actual instrumental performance and practice; with an extensive listening list; and possibly some complementary composition, transcribing, self-evaluation; reading and writing assignments. Limited enrollment: Audition required. Students auditioning for Music MUSIC 120D may submit the same audition material for consideration for Music MUSIC 120E and vice-versa, but they are asked to make clear that they are applying for both (or, alternatively, for just one of the two, and if so, which one.) This class will be closed to enrollment, so students wishing to enroll must join the Axess waiting list. You will then be contacted with audition instructions. By enrolling in this course you are giving consent for the video and audio recording and distribution of your image and performance for use by any entity at Stanford University.

Syllabus for selected term:
View Winter 2027 Syllabus

Sections

1 Term
Practicum 1Open
ID: 26197
0 / 999 enrolled
DAYS:Not Applicable
TIME:Not Applicable
LOCATION:Not Applicable
units

MUSIC 120D: Jazz Improvisation

1-3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit · GER: WAY-CE

This class will focus on developing a deeper understanding of, and capacity for, jazz improvisation -- as it relates to individual expression as well as group interaction, communication, and cohesion. In-class soloing and ensemble playing; guided listening; ear training; internalization; personalization; and an awareness of the historical evolution of the jazz improvisational language will all be emphasized. The coursework will be primarily based on actual instrumental performance and practice; with an extensive listening list; and possibly some complementary composition, transcribing, self-evaluation; reading and writing assignments. Limited enrollment: Audition required. Students auditioning for Music 120D may submit the same audition material for consideration for Music 120E and vice-versa, but they are asked to make clear that they are applying for both (or, alternatively, for just one of the two, and if so, which one.) This class will be closed to enrollment, so students wishing to enroll must join the Axess waiting list. You will then be contacted with audition instructions. By enrolling in this course you are giving consent for the video and audio recording and distribution of your image and performance for use by any entity at Stanford University.

Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.

Winter 2027 sections

  • Practicum — TBA TBA (Undergrad)

More MUSIC courses

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  • MUSIC 110: Music, Mind, and Social Life (ANTHRO 112, TAPS 110M)
  • MUSIC 112: Film Scoring
  • MUSIC 113: Introduction to Instrumental Composition
  • MUSIC 113N: The Foundations of American Popular Music: Present Day Implications (AFRICAAM 113N, AMSTUD 113N)
  • MUSIC 115: Individual Undergraduate Projects in Jazz
  • MUSIC 120DZ: Jazz Improvisation
  • MUSIC 120E: Advanced Jazz Improvisation
  • MUSIC 120EZ: Advanced Jazz Improvisation
  • MUSIC 122A: Counterpoint
  • MUSIC 122B: Analysis of Tonal Music
  • MUSIC 122C: Introduction to Post-Tonal Analysis

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