MUT 431
Jazz Improvisation I
Course Information:
MUT 431 Jazz Improvisation I
Semester: Fall 2014
Credit Hours: 2
Class Days and Time: TBA
Building/Room Number: LPAC 1149
Instructor:
Dr. Tracy Heavner
Office: Laidlaw Performing Arts Center 1149
Office Phone: 460-6260
Office Hours: TBA or By Appointment
Email: theavner@southalabama.edu
Course Description
Study of elementary improvisation techniques used in contemporary jazz performance
Goals and Objectives:
1. Develop a basic approach to jazz improvisation through ear training, studying
basic jazz theory and transcribed solos
2. Improve keyboard facility primarily to enhance the study of chords
3. Understand basic chord symbols and chord/scale relationships
4. Develop the ability to improvise jazz solos in a variety of styles
4. Learn simple jazz tunes
Pre-requisites
Prior instrumental performance experience in high school or junior college
Materials
Applied Instrument of Choice
3 Ring Notebook
Class Attendance Policy
Class attendance and participation is very important and is worth 60% of the student’s grade. For
a student to be excused from class, they must have a valid, documented reason for their absence
such as being ill, documented by a physician’s note. However, students will be allowed 2
unexcused absences during the course without any reduction to their participation grade.
Class assignments
Students will complete written assignments involving chord/scale relationships, chord
identification and spellings. Students will also have performance assignments requiring them to
prepare improvised solos.
Missed tests or late work
Tests cannot be made up unless students provide a valid, documented excuse. All assignments
must be turned at the beginning of class on the due date. Late assignments will not be accepted
unless due to a documented illness or family emergency and will be decided upon on an
individual basis. Students may turn in assignments early if a class is going to be missed.
Evaluation
Class Assignments
Class Participation
40%
60%
The final grade for the course will be determined using the following grading scale: A=100-90%,
B=89-80%, C=79-70%, D= 69-60%, F= 59% and below.
Changes in Course Requirements
Not all classes progress at the same rate thus course requirements might have to be modified as
circumstances dictate. You will be given written notice if the course requirements need to be
changed.
Academic Disruption Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Academic Disruption is found in The
Lowdown, the student handbook.
http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicdisruption.shtml:
Disruptive academic
behavior is defined as individual or group conduct that interrupts or interferes with any
educational activity or environment, infringes upon the rights and privileges of others, results in
or threatens the destruction of property and/or is otherwise prejudicial to the maintenance of
order in an academic environment. I expect students to be cordial, courteous and respectful of
faculty members and fellow students.
Student Academic Conduct Policy
The University of South Alabama’s policy regarding Student Academic Conduct Policy is found
in The Lowdown http://www.southalabama.edu/lowdown/academicconductpolicy.shtml: The
University of South Alabama is a community of scholars in which the ideals of freedom of
inquiry, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and freedom of the individual are sustained.
The University is committed to supporting the exercise of any right guaranteed to individuals by
the Constitution and the Code of Alabama and to educating students relative to their
responsibilities. The penalty for academic misconduct in this class will be a final grade of “F” in
the course.
Students with Disabilities
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, students with bona fide disabilities will
be afforded reasonable accommodations. The Office of Special Student Services (OSSS) will
certify a disability and advise faculty members of reasonable accommodations. If you have a
specific disability that qualifies you for academic accommodations, please notify the
instructor/professor and provide certification from the Office of Special Student Services. OSSS
is located at 5828 Old Shell Road at Jaguar Drive, (251-460-7212).