Course Code
Academic Year
Pre-requisite: MEL. 474 Advanced Contemporary Music Composition and Analysis 1
This course presents advanced theoretical and practical concepts to students interested in contemporary music composition. By performing, analyzing, and emulating significant historical models of small band jazz writing, and by hearing their own work performed in class, students gain proficiency in composing in different styles for various ensembles. Repertoire studied is drawn from the work of composers such as Wayne Shorter, Kenny Wheeler, Charles Mingus, and others. In addition, students analyze the work of a jazz composer of their choice and write an original piece based on the principles uncovered through that analysis. The course culminates in a composition assignment in which students are encouraged to express their own emerging compositional voice.