A jazz-based beginning band improvisation curriculum
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Project
Program
Other
Program
Project (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Education, 2008
Committee Chair Name
Ann Diver-Stamnes
Committee Chair Affiliation
HSU Faculty or Staff
Keywords
Music--Instruction & study, Improvisation (music), Education--Curricula, Humboldt State University -- Projects -- Education, Jazz, Instrumental music--Beginning band
Abstract
Although aural learning and improvisation of music have been fundamental components of music learning theories for at least two hundred years, published resources for beginning instrumentalists usually take a notation-first approach. An analysis of popular beginning band method books published in the last six years further reveals an emphasis on the teaching of techniques necessary to play music in the Western classical tradition, an emphasis which might influence instrumental teachers' values and teaching approaches. An alternative approach in beginning instrumental music instruction emphasizes improvisation and the development of music listening and speaking vocabularies prior to the development of music literacy. Jazz offers an ideal medium for this exploration, as improvisation is integral to this art form, and it is a genre outside of the Western Classical tradition. The call to incorporate improvisation and jazz into the beginning instrumental curriculum will necessitate the revision of current curricula, the adoption of new learning goals, and the development of additional teaching strategies. This project aims to help fill this void and to make improvisation and jazz available to all instrumentalists through the creation of a jazz-based beginning band improvisation curriculum unit for grades 5 through 8. The unit that is the content of Chapter Four of the project meets the National Standards for Arts Education improvisation content standard and can be taught within the typical time constraints of beginning instrumental instruction in a school setting.
Recommended Citation
Gluck, Ronite J., "A jazz-based beginning band improvisation curriculum" (2008). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1110.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1110
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/m900nw82c