Module #1 Introduction to Jazz Improvisation An overview of the fundamentals of jazz improvisation, including its history, key concepts, and importance in jazz music
Module #2 Understanding Jazz Harmony A review of jazz harmony, including chord progressions, scales, and modes
Module #3 The Basics of Improvisation Fundamentals of improvisation, including listening, phrasing, and tone
Module #4 Improvising Over ii-V-I Progressions Techniques for improvising over the most common jazz chord progression
Module #5 Scales and Modes for Improvisation An in-depth look at the scales and modes used in jazz improvisation, including the pentatonic, blues, and dorian modes
Module #6 Melodic Ideas for Improvisation Techniques for generating melodic ideas, including motivic development and sequence
Module #7 Rhythmic Concepts for Improvisation Exploring rhythmic concepts such as syncopation, polyrhythms, and odd time signatures
Module #8 Improvising Over Blues and Rhythm Changes Techniques for improvising over blues and rhythm changes, including the use of blues scales and riffs
Module #9 Improvising Over Minor and Modal Tunes Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of improvising over minor and modal tunes
Module #10 Interacting with the Rhythm Section Strategies for communicating and interacting with the rhythm section during improvisation
Module #11 Improvising Over Standards Techniques for improvising over jazz standards, including melodic and harmonic approaches
Module #12 Free Improvisation and Collective Improvisation Exploring the possibilities and challenges of free improvisation and collective improvisation
Module #13 The Art of Listening and Responding Developing the skills of listening and responding in improvisation, including cueing and call-and-response
Module #14 Improvising Over Odd Time Signatures Techniques for improvising over odd time signatures, including 3/4, 5/4, and 7/4
Module #15 Advanced Harmony and Reharmonization Exploring advanced harmonic concepts, including reharmonization and Tritone substitution
Module #16 Transcription and Analysis Transcribing and analyzing the improvisations of jazz masters, including Louis Armstrong, Charlie Parker, and John Coltrane
Module #17 Developing Your Personal Style Strategies for developing a unique and personal approach to improvisation
Module #18 Improvisation in Different Jazz Styles Exploring the unique characteristics and challenges of improvising in different jazz styles, including swing, bebop, and Latin jazz
Module #19 Improvising with Electronics and Effects Using electronics and effects to expand the possibilities of improvisation
Module #20 Improvisation in Non-Jazz Genres Exploring the application of jazz improvisation concepts in other genres, including rock, pop, and hip-hop
Module #21 Performance Practice and Stage Presence Developing the skills and confidence needed for effective performance and stage presence
Module #22 Improvisation and Composition Exploring the intersection of improvisation and composition, including using improvisation as a compositional tool
Module #23 Improvisation and Technology Using technology to aid and enhance improvisation, including software and apps
Module #24 Improvisation and Pedagogy Teaching improvisation to students of all levels, including strategies for beginners and advanced improvisers
Module #25 Improvisation and Music Therapy The therapeutic applications of improvisation, including music therapy and wellness
Module #26 Improvisation and Community Building Using improvisation to build community and foster collaboration and creativity
Module #27 Improvisation and Cultural Context Exploring the cultural and historical contexts of jazz improvisation, including the role of African American music and culture
Module #28 Improvisation and Interdisciplinary Collaboration Collaborating with artists from other disciplines, including dance, theater, and visual arts
Module #29 Improvisation and Entrepreneurship Using improvisation as a tool for entrepreneurship and innovation in the music industry
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Improvisation in Jazz Ensembles career
