2019-2020 Catalog

MUS 363 How Jazz Began

Explores the early history of jazz, America's  principal contribution to world musical culture. Considers jazz antecedents-the blues, ragtime-and origins in early twentieth century New Orleans. Then considers the "Chicago School," early territory bands, "New-Orleans revival," big-band tradition of the 1940's, and small-group sessions and beginnings of bebop. Although there is consideration of the historical/music-historical backgrounds, emphasis is on the music itself, through original recordings and scholarly transcriptions, which permit detailed analyses of jazz characteristics at critical moments. [GM1, H]

Prerequisite

MUS 102, MUS 103, or MUS 121

Instructor

Cummings