Jazz Theory for Classical Musicians 2020

Jazz Theory for Classical Musicians is designed for Classical musicians who wish to learn the
essentials of jazz theory, to better understand and appreciate jazz musical styles and
compositions, and to apply basic jazz theory to improvisation.
12-week course (May – August 2020)
 Weeks 1-6: Elementary Level
Elementary Level is for students who are knowledgeable about Classical music but have
never played jazz and have not taken any jazz theory course before.

 Weeks 7-12: Intermediate Level

Intermediate Level is for musicians who have some basic knowledge of jazz and have
takena jazz theory course before.

*Students may take the full 12-week course or choose one of the two units, based on
individual needs.

Contents:
Elementary Level: Intermediate Level:
1. The concept of Swing Rhythm 1. Tonicisation
2. Jazz Melodic Structure 2. Turnaround Progression
3. Jazz Chord Structure 3. Turnback Progression
4. Scale and Chord Relationship 4. Bebop Scales
5. ii-V-I Progression +Voice Leading 5. The Jazz Blues Progression
6. Blues/12-bar Blues Form 6. Altered Dominant
7. Walking Bass 7. Harmonic Substitution
8. Comp Rhythms and Voicings 8. Afro-Cuban Jazz
9. Brazilian Rhythm 9. Drop-Two Voicings
10. AABA Form 10. ABAC Form

 Courses materials and exercises are provided before each lesson for students to upload
and to print out forthe lesson.
 Besides lectures, each lesson would involve aural training and written exercises which
help students better understand the music.
 Small amount of homework assignment would be given.
Fees:
Full 12-week Course:

Individual: US$1000 (18 hours)

Group of 2: US$1500 (18 hours) US$750 each
Group of 3: US$1650 (18 hours) US$550 each

*Payment in full at the beginning of the course.

ElementaryLevel or Intermediate Level:

Individual: US$600 (9 hours)

Group of 2: US$800 (9 hours) US$400 each
Group of 3: US$900 (9 hours) US$300 each

*Payment in full at the beginning of the selected unit.