MUAC 1507, 3507, 5507, Jazz applied study for Bass

MUAC 1507, 3507, 5507, Jazz applied study for Bass
Lessons
The semester consists of thirteen sessions: ten 50 minute private lessons, one final evaluation, one group listening session, and one group "bass dialogue" session. At the listening session, we will listen to and discuss various recordings. The "bass dialogue" session will be another group session where the students will perform, with a rhythm section, a tune featuring the bass in some way. All present will discuss various aspects of what we hear. The group sessions will be scheduled well in advance, by consensus.
Instructor Information
Lynn Seaton Office: (940) 369-7639
Jazz Studies Office: (940) 565-3743
Objectives
To develop a good pizzicato sound and, if studying acoustic, arco and pizzicato sound. To expand the student's understanding of the role of the bass in jazz through the use of transcription, jazz and classical repertoire, and sight reading.
Texts
A collection of songs from the standard repertory such as "The Real Book".
A collection of solo transcriptions such as Paul Chambers Solos by Jim Stinnett; The Music of Oscar Pettiford by Volkes Nahmann; The Bass Tradition by Todd Coolman; The Charlie Parker Omnibook; Bebop Bass by Harold Miller; Jazz Solos for Bass by Lynn Seaton.
Other books may be suggested during the course of study.
Materials
A metronome
A book of manuscript paper
A stereo system to play music on for pleasure and study.
A tape recorder is helpful to record music and your self practicing.
A folder for collecting materials such as music, transcriptions, assignments and tune lists.
Class Work
Much class time will be spent on several areas of development. Among them are:
proper posture
proper sound production
pizzicato and arco on acoustic bass
major and minor modes and other jazz scales
arpeggios
transcription of recorded materials
walking bass lines
written and improvised solo conception
jazz standard repertory
classical repertoire
Assignments
Students are required to submit a complete transcribed walking bass line from a recording of their choice each semester. This is due on or before the 8th lesson. A cassette copy of the recording and a photo copy of the transcription should be handed in. You keep the original transcription.
A minimum of 10 tunes are to be memorized each semester; that means the melody, chords, scales, arpeggios, walking a bass line and soloing. The memorized tunes will be required whether they are covered in our lessons or not. It would be wise to include tunes that you do in other classes (such as ensembles, arranging or improvisation) as part of your tune learning.
Maintain a portfolio of the tunes you know and learn and the transcriptions you do throughout your study. By graduation, you will have many tunes that you know thoroughly. One of the things that makes for a successful musician is knowing many tunes.
Homework
Those who plan to do well in their lessons should plan to practice everyday including weekends. Playing music well is a long term commitment. Constant exercising is the only means of improvement. You will also be expected to write bass lines on tunes as assigned and practice the appropriate scales, arpeggios and melodies (see Assignments).
Grading
Your grade will be based on the following:
Midterm - At the midpoint of the lessons, students will be evaluated on the following: 1) sight-reading and 2) performing one of the required tunes; the melody, chords, scales, arpeggios, walking a bass line and soloing.
Transcription - Due on or before the 8th lesson. (See assignments.)
General progress - Students will be evaluated on the basis of their own progress, not by comparison to others.
Final jury - At the end of the semester, students will be evaluated on the following: 1) sight-reading, and 2) performing two of the ten required memorized tunes; the melody, chords, scales, arpeggios, walking a bass line and soloing.
Attendance
Attendance is mandatory. Two missed lessons without advance notice and permission of the instructor will result in the grade being lowered one degree. If the instructor must miss a lesson, a makeup will be scheduled. There will be no makeup lessons for unexcused student absences.
Dialogue
An important of learning is an open dialogue between the teacher and the student. Please feel free to call me or stop me in the hall to discuss anything.
Minimum Grade
A minimum grade of "B" is required of all jazz studies majors.
Americans with Disabilities Act
The College of Music complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act in making reasonable accommodation for qualified students with disability. If you have an established disability as defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act and would like to request accommodation, please see me as soon as possible.
Scholastic Honesty Policy
Cheating, in any form, will result in an automatic grade of "F" in the course, the removal of the student from the course, and immediate reporting of the student's actions to the Office of the Dean of Students and to the Office of the Dean of the College of Music.