History of Jazz Music Course
Dive into the soulful journey of jazz with our course that charts the genre’s evolution from its genesis to modern styles, linking the development of jazz to cultural and societal changes. Explore how jazz has mirrored the spirit of each era, from the syncopated beats of ragtime to the intricate harmonies of bebop, and delve into the stories and historical context behind the music. This exploration isn’t just about learning the progression of sounds; it’s about connecting with the narratives that shaped the music, providing insight into the periods from which they sprang.
Through this course, you’ll acquire the language of jazz and the fundamental elements of its composition, enhancing your listening skills to appreciate the subtleties and expressive qualities of each style. Through targeted listening exercises, students will gain an understanding of what composers and performers express through their art, expanding their musical horizons and enjoyment. By the course’s end, you’ll view jazz not just as a musical genre but as a rich, unfolding story of cultural and historical relevance, equipped with a deeper appreciation for the individuality of each composer’s voice and the influential legacy of their music.
High School History of Jazz Music
Course Syllabus
This course is designed to provide students with a better understanding and appreciation of the history of jazz music. It will explore the development of jazz from its beginnings through present day, emphasizing how culture and society shaped its evolution. Students will be introduced to the chronological order of jazz styles, the important composers who pioneered each style, and the components that distinguished each style of jazz. Through listening examples, students will become more aware of what each composer/performer is trying to communicate through their music. By accomplishing the objectives below, students will improve their current listening experiences, discover new avenues of musical enjoyment, and broaden their cultural and historical knowledge.
Textbook: History of Jazz Music - Excel Education Systems, Inc. ©
Citation for this textbook: Ulven, J. (2020, September). History of Jazz Music. Retrieved from Excel High School Canvas.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the periods of jazz and their relationship to history, culture, and society.
- Identify important jazz composers/performers who contributed to the evolution of jazz.
- Develop knowledge of the vocabulary and elements used in jazz composition.
- Develop listening skills to further understand the expressive qualities of each jazz style.
- Gain an appreciation of jazz by understanding a composer’s personal voice through their music.
Course contents:
Semester A
- Chapter 1: The Beginnings of Jazz
- Chapter 2: New Orleans Style Jazz
- Chapter 3: Ragtime
- Chapter 4: Jazz Piano Styles
- Chapter 5: Early Jazz and the Blues
Semester B
- Chapter 6: The Swing Era of Jazz
- Chapter 7: Bebop and Cool Jazz
- Chapter 8: Latin Jazz
- Chapter 9: Hard Bop and Modal Jazz
- Chapter 10: Eras of Free, Fusion, and Jazz of Today
Grading Scale
A = 90-100%
B = 80-89%
C = 70-79%
D = 60-69%
F = under 59%
Grade Weighting
Unit Quizzes.........................50%
Writing Assignments.........20%
Mid-Term/Final Exams......30%
Total.......................................100%
How Much Does It Cost?
$225
per course
Standard high school courses are priced at an affordable $225 each. This cost-effective rate makes quality education accessible for every student.
Enrolling is Easy!
Step One
Begin the Enrollment Process
When you're ready to take the next step towards your education, simply click 'Enroll Now'. This will direct you to our dedicated student information system, Learnstage. Once there, simply click 'Enroll Now' located in the top right corner of the page.
Step Two
Create Your Learn Stage Account
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Step Three
Submit Payment
Single course options at Excel High School range in price depending on their difficulty. Single course prices are below:
- Standard High School Courses: $225
- Honors High School Courses: $325
- (AP) High School Courses: $599
Step Five
You're Ready To Start!
Once your payment has been received, you'll get an email with your student account details. This will be your portal to submit any previous academic transcripts, view vital account information, and navigate other critical resources. Your classes will be added automatically and adjusted based on your submitted transcripts (if applicable).