2016-2017 Catalog

MUS 363 How Jazz Began

This course explores the early history of jazz, American's principal contribution to world musical culture. It considers jazz antecedents-the blues, ragtime-and origins in early twentieth century New Orleans. It then considers the "Chicago School," early territory sessions and beginnings of bebop. Although there is consideration of the historical/music-historical backgrounds, emphasis is on the music itself, though original recordings and scholarly transcriptions, which permit detailed analyses of jazz characteristics at critical moments.

Prerequisite

MUS 102, MUS 103, or MUS 121

Instructor

Cummings