Jazz Saxophone--540:059 Fall 2005 Christopher Merz
Eligibility policy
Due to the overwhelming demand for this class, admission into Applied Jazz Saxophone will be prioritized as follows:
NOTE--I reserve the right to make exceptions to this policy when I feel it is in the best interest of the student, and as space permits. No student will be permitted to take applied Jazz Saxophone and Improvisation class concurrently. For the purpose of this policy, "Improvisation class" does NOT include Jazz Theory.
Required materials
Your instrument must be in good playing condition for lessons! You can't perform well on faulty equipment. You will need a good quality jazz mouthpiece. Choice here is a very personal thing, but I will make suggestions if your equipment does not seem to be working for you. "Jazz" reeds are also required. Classical reeds (regular Vandoren--blue box) do not vibrate freely enough to produce a jazz sound. Experiment here with Vandoren Java and V16, LaVoz, or Rico Jazz select.
You will need a copy of my basic technique pack. This is available from Copyworks. You will also need manuscript paper, preferably in a spiral bound notebook. You will use this book for writing transcriptions, compositions, and notes from the lessons. A repertoire source is also required--the All New Real Book (any volume) is probably the best source for material.
Goals and Repertoire list
The first assignment, due at the second lesson of each semester, is a list of goals for the semester. This will help both student and instructor focus and select materials to better meet those goals. Students are also asked to keep an ongoing repertoire list, including all tunes studied in applied jazz lessons.
Technical expectations
Part of each lesson will be devoted to technical study. The basic technique pack will be used here. The minimum expectation is one scale or pattern study (12 keys) and one arpeggio study (12 keys) per semester.
Transcriptions
Jazz saxophone students are expected to work continually on solo transcriptions. A minimum of eight measures (just over a measure a day) of a solo per week is expected for a passing grade.
Repertoire
I will work with students individually to determine appropriate literature for study. Many of the techniques from the improvisation classes will be used, and new techniques will be introduced. Students will also be assigned composition projects which will help them come to terms with harmonic and melodic concepts.
Grading
I will give a grade for each lesson, based on student performance in each of the three elements; technical studies, transcriptions, and repertoire. Each student will also perform a jury at the end of the semester covering all three elements. This jury will be paneled by Dr. Washut, Dr. Schwabe, Mr. Bob Dunn and myself. This grade will be averaged together with the weekly lesson grade to determine the final grade.
Attendance
As this class is not required, I do not anticipate any attendance problems. If I should miss a lesson, it will be made up as soon as possible, preferably in advance. If students miss a lesson, it may be made up if a reasonable excuse is given. Examples include illness or absence from campus. Forgetting and lack of preparation are not acceptable excuses. Lessons will not be postponed due to lack of preparation. Habitual absences or lack of preparation may result in termination of study at the end of the semester. Students are waiting in line to take this class!
Note
The Americans with disabilities act of 1990 (ADA) provides protection from illegal discrimination for qualified individuals with disabilities. students requesting instructional accommodations due to disabilities must arrange for such accommodations through the Office of Disability Services. The ODS is located at 213 Student Services Center. The telephone number is 273-2676.