Jazz Performance - Major #5812

Certificate Program Map
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The program map below represents an efficient and effective course taking sequence for this program. Individual circumstances might require some changes to this path. It is always recommended that you meet with your pathway counselor to develop a personalized educational plan.


This program satisfies the music course requirements for the Certificate in Jazz Performance which provides the fundamental skills necessary for the jazz performer.

Upon completion of the program, students will:
  1. 1. Perform jazz music by reading notated music scores.
  2. 2. Distinguish historical jazz styles and its chronological musical development reflecting American society.
  3. 3. Distinguish the harmonic, melodic and formal structures of jazz music.
  4. 4. Perform improvisations at an intermediate to advanced level.
Effective Term: 2023 Fall Semester

Certificate Requirements 

12 units

Jazz Improvisation

2 units

MUS 10A
Beginning Jazz Improvisation

2 units
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
Study of the fundamentals of jazz improvisation; scales, modes, the blues, simple chord progressions, ear training, development of melodic ideas. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory:
or

MUS 10B
Intermediate/Advanced Jazz Improvisation

2 units
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
Study of intermediate and advanced concepts of jazz improvisation: altered scales, chordal extensions, alterations, and substitutions, and complex jazz compositions. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Prerequisite: MUS 10A
  2. Advisory:

MUS 16
Jazz History and Appreciation

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
Vocal and instrumental jazz music from the 1890’s through the present. Concert attendance required. Designed for the general student and commercial music student. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:
  1. Advisory: ENGL C1000

Theory and Composition

3 units

Select 3 units from the following: 

MUS 1A
Music Theory I

3 units
Effective Term: 2024 Fall Semester
Writing and analysis; fundamentals of music. Designed for the music major. Introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music with regard to music from Western history and non-Western cultures: Examples from music literature will demonstrate staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. History and social context of the above concepts will be discussed. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
  2. Advisory: MUS 3

MUS 1AE
Music Theory I-Extra

3 units
Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
Course covers content of MUS 1A with extra lab time and guided practice. Appropriate for students desiring extra support due to no prior music experience. Writing and analysis; fundamentals of music. Designed for the music major. Introduction to the notation and primary elements of tonal music with regard to music from Western history and non-Western cultures: Examples from music literature will demonstrate staff notation in treble and bass clefs, rhythm and meter; basic properties of sound; intervals; diatonic scales and triads; and diatonic chords. History and social context of the above concepts will be discussed. (A, CSU, UC)
Course Details:
  1. Corequisite: MUS 7A
  2. Advisory: MUS 3

MUS 3
Music Fundamentals

3 units
Effective Term: 2025 Fall Semester
Fundamental theory of music: pitch, rhythm, meters, scales, keys, key signatures, intervals, rhythm, and scale dictation. Designed for the general student, the music major with limited music theory experience, the commercial music student, and the classroom teacher. (A, CSU, UC, Cal-GETC)
Course Details:

    Ensembles

    4 units

    Select 4 units from the following: 

    MUS 41
    Jazz Ensemble

    1-2 units
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Study and performances of a broad range of jazz ensemble literature. Repertoire from varying historical periods of jazz music and different world cultures. Participation in concerts and jazz festivals required. Students working toward the Associate in Arts in Music for Transfer (AA-T) are advised to enroll in 1 unit only. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 47A
    Jazz Combo A

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Small-group jazz performance: standard literature, informal (“head”) arrangements, and student compositions or arrangements. In-class and/or public performances. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
      ( (
    1. Advisory: MUS 10A
      2. OR
    2. Advisory: MUS 10B
      3. ) AND
    3. Advisory:
      4. )

    MUS 47B
    Jazz Combo B

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Study and performance of Contemporary and Mainstream jazz literature for the small ensemble (3-7 members per ensemble). Participation in concerts and festivals required. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
      ( (
    1. Advisory: MUS 10A
      2. OR
    2. Advisory: MUS 10B
      3. ) AND
    3. Advisory:
      4. )

    MUS 54
    Latin Jazz Ensemble

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Study and performance of traditional and contemporary music based on shared African and Latin American influences and heritage. Participation in concerts is required. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 55
    Latin Jazz Workshop

    1 unit
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Study and performance of traditional and contemporary music based on shared African and Caribbean influences and heritage. Participation in concerts is required. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:

    MUS 72
    Jazz Composer's Orchestra

    1-2 units
    Effective Term: 2022 Fall Semester
    Study and performance of complex, compositionally advanced, and professional level modern jazz ensemble literature. Participation in concerts and festivals required. (A, CSU, UC)
    Course Details:
    1. Advisory:
    Total: 12 units