JAZZ THEORY I – MUS 228G

FALL 2019 Professor: John Fremgen


Office: MRH 4.164


Email: jfremgen@austin.utexas.edu

Office Hours: TBA

The goal of Jazz Theory I is to improve your written and aural understanding of the
theoretical principles that are the structural foundation of the jazz idiom. Topics to be
discussed include chord construction, chord/scale relationships, chord progression,
melodic/harmonic analysis and relationships, harmonic embellishment and
substitution, typical formal structures, non-harmonic tones, aural skills and analysis of
compositions and improvisations.

Text: Jazz Theory and Practice, Hellmer/Lawn (required)

Grading: There will be occasional homework assignments. Attendance and participation

are expected. Excessive absences will result in grade penalty and will be reported to the
appropriate offices. There will be quizzes, both aural and written, and a midterm, which
will be scheduled for mid October. The final exam will be given during the scheduled
final exam time.

Grades will be determined according to percentage of points possible, as follows:

Attendance/Participation 25% Assignments 25%
Quizzes 10%
Midterm 20%

Final 20%
Percentage of points possible will determine letter grades, as follows:

93-100% A; 90-92.9% A-; 87-89.9% B+; 83-86.9% B; 80-82.9% B-; 77-79.9% C+; 73-
76.9% C; 70-72.9% C-; 67-69.9% D+; 63-66.9% D; 60-62.9% D-; 59.9% and below F

Disability Statement

The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic

accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact
Services for Students with Disabilities at 471-6259 (voice) or 232-2937 (video phone) or
http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd