JAZZ HISTORY OUTLINE “First of all, music improvisation is a language just like the language we speak through our mouth. In order to speak language through our mouths, one must first learn to vocalize a sound through the vocal cords, after that, one must learn words, sentences, grammar, and all the subsequent building blocks of language in order to express an idea eloquently to others. Analogously, in order to speak fluently through one’s instrument one must learn to make a sound first; then learn to read music, know all your harmony counterpoint, etc. Only then, can one express a musical idea fluently without any restrictions…” Dr. Eddie Henderson
COURSE OUTLINE Jazz is a collective achievement of a people from all walks of life, a democratic music form with humble beginnings, shared by rich and poor. This participative music is an equal exchange between the performer and listener. These life performances are always new and creative, happening right then and there. It is through small venues and classic recordings that many can do analysis for what has taken place at that moment; in order to increase an awareness and enjoyment of this less publicized music. This course is a survey of the historical development of the music in our society. From Africa to it’s current living exponents. |
