Music Building, Room 230 – Wednesdays, 10-11:50am

The aim of this course is to teach students how to compose jazz style compositions and arrangements.  Past and present jazz styles will be explored.  Compositional techniques for writing melody in relation to harmony, as well as jazz rhythmical concepts, will be studied. Creating compositions with motivic continuity and balanced counterpoint will be other areas of focus.

Students will be encouraged to write their own compositions using techniques and influence from the methods and styles discussed in class.   Student compositions will be read weekly by the ‘UC Davis Jazz Lab Ensemble’, which is a student-composers ensemble comprised of UC Davis students and faculty artists. There will be a concert presentation and recording of student compositions by the ‘UC Davis Jazz Lab Ensemble’ each quarter.   All instrumentalists, vocalists and composers are welcome to apply. To learn more or to apply email info@jacammanricks.com requesting an application form.