Jazz Harmony & Composition

Course Information

During this course, you will explore the building blocks of melody, harmony, rhythm, and form. Using practical examples from the jazz literature, exercises, transcriptions, presentations and arranging techniques to internalize concepts. You will examine a selection of musical works by important jazz composers and arrangers and develop strategies for writing your own compositions for jazz ensemble performance.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?

This course is designed for students at a beginners and intermediate level with an interest in understanding jazz harmony and using the knowledge taught to compose their own music. Students will learn to identify and modify chord progressions, writing melodies, arranging parts for a small ensemble, analysis of Jazz Composition and deepen their understanding of jazz music's inner workings.The final week of the course will culminate with a selection of the original music composed by students at the Academy. A basic understanding of scales and rhythmic reading would be an advantage to those interested in enrolling.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Having functional instrumental skills on your instrument, so that you can easily play chord progressions using seventh chords and some harmonic tensions.
  • You should be able to have a basic understanding of reading rhythm. It would be helpful (but not essential) to have some prior experience with ear training, i.e., recognizing intervals.
  • Being able to transcribe short simple recorded melodies is an advantage, although not a necessity.
  • It would be helpful (but not essential) to have some prior experience trying to write in the jazz music idiom.
  • Experience with jazz improvisation is helpful but not required.

COURSE TUTOR:

Daniel Rorke is an Irish/Australian tenor and soprano saxophonist. He holds a bachelor’s Degree in jazz performance with first class honors from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he completed his master’s in jazz performance at NTNU Jazzlinja in Norway and has a PhD in music from the University of New England. Boasting a varied performance career, he has worked with cutting edge European and American Jazz musicians and performed at notable concerts, festivals and clubs around the world. He has won many awards including Icelandic Jazz Album of The Year in 2005. In 2019 He was granted a US Exceptional Alien Visa to participate in recordings, performances, and educational activities in New York. He has taught Music at Syracuse University, New York, where he instructed in Jazz and other creative music. He is currently a Lecturer in Jazz at Dublin City University.

Learning Outcomes

  • Introduction to Jazz Composition
  • Chord and Scale Construction
  • Ear Training
  • Structure and Form
  • Melodic Construction and Motific Development
  • Chord Progressions
  • Chord Voicings
  • Swing and the Rhythmic Language of Jazz
  • Jazz Styles - Blues, Early Jazz to Bebop
  • Jazz Styles - Hard Bop to Modern Jazz, plus Latin and Funk

Certification:

Newpark Certificate

Timetable & Details

Duration: 12 weeks

Dates: September 18th - December 4th 2023

Day: Monday Evenings

Time: 7-9pm

Instructor: Daniel Rorke PhD
Skill Level : Beginner and intermediate 

Entry requirements: This programme is for students at a beginner & intermediate level. A basic understanding of scales and rhythmic reading would be an advantage to those interested in enrolling. please see more detailed requirements above, for more information please contact enquiries@newparkmusic.ie.

Enrol: Register form for Micro Course

Course Cost: €570.00

Daniel Rourke - Jazz Harmony & Compostion 2023

Week 1 - 18/09/2023

Week 2 – 25/09/2023

Week 3 – 02/10/2023

Week 4 – 09/10/2023

Week 5 – 16/10/2023

Week 6 – 23/10/2023

Week 7 – 06/11/2023

Week 8 – 13/11/2023

Week 9 – 20/11/2023

Week 10 – 27/11/2023

Week 11 – 04/12/2023

Week 12 – 11/12/2023

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