MUS 222 “Advanced Jazz and Popular Music Theory” builds on the foundation of topics introduced in MUS 220 “Introduction to Jazz and Popular Music Theory”, starting with the Blues and the harmonic vocabulary of popular music and classic jazz standards of the Great American Songbook in the first part of the 20th century. In MUS 222, we proceed to explore innovations in jazz and popular music of the 1950s, 1960’s and beyond. After reviewing diatonic 7th chord harmony, we learn to hear inversions, secondary dominants, and tensions. We also introduce 7th chords in the minor, and hybrid minor harmony. We take a deeper dive into the rich melodic content found in chord scale theory, and the harmonic developments afforded by modal music, modal interchange, multi-tonic harmony, hybrid chords and constant structures. A wide variety of contemporary popular music, world music and jazz has modal sources other than the diatonic western major scale and the natural minor. Composition assignments include writing an advanced blues and a piece using modal interchange. While our focus is on harmonic and melodic content, we also listen for rhythmic innovations including the use of odd meters and clave in Latin Jazz. Ear training is a core component. Harmonic dictation, singing, conducting, and critical listening help translate concepts into real music skills. Keyboard lab required (to be scheduled at the start of the semester).

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: MUS 220 or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Spring