MUSC 194: Jazz Combo Workshop III

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Credits: 2
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 18
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Total Student Learning Hours: 126
Prerequisite: Audition.
Strongly Recommended: MUSE 100, MUSE 120.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

A performance-based course focused on intermediate-advanced small-group jazz playing, improvisation, ensemble communication, and repertoire development. Students rehearse and perform standard jazz literature while developing skills in form recognition, soloing, comping, rhythmic interpretation, and collaborative musicianship. Emphasis is placed on listening, interaction, stylistic accuracy, and live performance practice. Audition required. 36 lecture hours, 18 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Demonstrate intermediate-advanced jazz improvisation skills, including motivic development, phrasing, and chord-scale relationships.
  • Perform intermediate-advanced standard jazz repertoire with stylistic accuracy, rhythmic feel, and awareness of form.
  • Collaborate effectively in a small jazz ensemble, showing sensitivity to balance, dynamics, cueing, and group interaction.
  • Analyze and discuss intermediate-advanced key elements of jazz performance, including harmony, structure, rhythmic interpretation, and stylistic characteristics.

Major Course Content

  • Jazz Combo Ensemble Skills — balance, blend, communication, cueing, dynamic shaping, and collective improvisation.

  • Improvisation Techniques — chord-scale theory, motivic development, phrasing, articulation, and creating cohesive solos.

  • Standard Jazz Repertoire — performing blues, rhythm changes, modal tunes, ballads, bebop heads, and contemporary jazz selections.

  • Rhythmic Interpretation & Feel — swing feel, Latin grooves, odd meters, rhythmic interaction, and time feel within a group.

  • Comping & Accompaniment — piano/guitar voicings, rhythmic comping patterns, bass line construction, and drum set interaction.

  • Guided Listening and Style Analysis — examining influential jazz combos and classic recordings; identifying stylistic characteristics and interaction models.

  • Performance Preparation and Presentation — rehearsal strategies, set building, solo trading, small-group communication, and live performance practice.

Hours Arranged Content

Performances

Sectionals

Guest Masterclass and Clinics

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Various types of graded literature written specifically for the instrument available within the course, classical and commercial
Research into performance practice of various types of literature and grades

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Formulation of performance objectives as to the stylistic interpretation of musical literature such as meter, articulation, rhythm, pitch, and historical interpretation [classical and commercial music]
Score highlighting of critical interpretation symbols for the 'pathos' within a musical performance
Transcribe a recorded performance of selected literature

Examples of Outside Assignments

Formulation of performance objectives as to the stylistic interpretation of musical literature such as meter, articulation, rhythm, pitch, and historical interpretation [classical and commercial music]
Score highlighting of critical interpretation symbols for the 'pathos' within a musical performance
Transcribe a recorded performance of selected literature

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture