USC Jazz Courses

Jazz Theory I & II (MUSC319-320) Introduction to the basic language of jazz improvisation: including rhythm, articulations, style considerations, major and minor harmonic systems, forms, harmonic substitutions, simple analysis, chord/scale relationships, ear training in the jazz language, and keyboard harmony.
(Syllabus for 319)
(Syllabus for 320)
Graduate Theory (MUSC713) An advanced class exploring specific jazz theory topics and with an in-depth analysis of selected artists and styles.

SPRING Outlines Assignment:

Progressions for Outline work:
SPRING 2002:

Outline work Solutions:
SPRING 2002:

OUTLINE TRANSFORMATION

ETUDES FROM JAZZ THEORY I:
SPRING 2001:

Trying to get a grip on the changes.

Jazz Improvisation I - IV (MUSC219-220, MUSC329-330) Prerequisite - Jazz Theory I & II) Applications of jazz theory skills. Students explore selected jazz repertoire in-depth applying technical and theoretical concepts. In order to pass from one level to the next, students must pass a basic scale proficiency test and an improvising jury for the jazz faculty. Two levels of improvisation must be passed with a grade of B or better before moving on to a jazz combo or applied jazz lessons.

JAZZ IMPROVISATION OUTLINE

JAZZ IMPROVISATION I HANDOUTS

JAZZ IMPROVISATION II HANDOUTS

JAZZ IMPROVISATION III HANDOUTS

JAZZ IMPROVISATION IV HANDOUTS
Advanced Jazz Improvisation (MUSC786) Prerequisite - Jazz Improvisation IV) This course focuses on jazz improvisation at the graduate level. Students may explore different areas of jazz improvisation such as "free" and avante garde, and contemporary harmonic possiblities.

Applied Jazz These classes are open to students who have completed Jazz Theory I & II and Jazz Improvisation I - IV with a grade of B or better, and two years of applied lessons on their primary instrument. One on one instruction in the area of jazz improvisation, development of technique, transcribing skills, determining ways for the student to self-direct their development as jazz artists are part of the curriculum.

Studio Arranging (MUSC520) Prerequisite - Jazz Theory I & II) Concentration on developing compositional and orchestration/arranging skills in various jazz and commercial styles. Students write for the jazz combos and big bands. A section is devoted to writing Radio/TV commercials.

Advanced Studio Arranging (MUSC714) Prerequisite - Studio Arranging) Concentration on developing compositional and orchestration/arranging skills in various jazz and commercial styles. Students write for the jazz combos and big bands. A section is devoted to writing Radio/TV commercials.
Jazz Composition (MUSC516 and MUSC 716)

For more information e-mail Bert Ligon at

Phone: 803.777.6565/803.777.4280