Free Printable Worksheets for learning Jazz Music at the College level

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Jazz Music

Jazz music originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in African American communities in the southern United States. Over time, Jazz has evolved into a complex and diverse genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and sub-genres.

Key Concepts

  • Improvisation: The ability of a musician to create and perform music on the spot, without prior planning or preparation. Improvisation is a key element of Jazz music and is often used to showcase a musician's skills and creativity.

  • Swing Rhythm: A rhythmic style that is characterized by a strong, steady pulse and a syncopated, swinging feel. Swing rhythm is an essential component of Jazz music and is often used in Jazz performance and composition.

  • Harmony: The combination of different notes and chords to create a rich, complex sound. Harmony is a fundamental element of Jazz music and is used to create tension, release, and emotion in Jazz compositions.

  • Form: The structure of a Jazz composition, which can range from simple, straightforward structures to complex, multi-sectioned pieces. Jazz forms are often based on the use of repeating musical phrases and patterns.

  • Instrumentation: The selection and use of different musical instruments in Jazz performance and composition. Jazz ensembles often consist of a small group of musicians, typically including a rhythm section (drums, bass, piano or guitar) and one or more lead instruments (saxophone, trumpet, or trombone).

Important Information

  • Jazz music has been influenced by a wide range of musical styles and cultures, including African, European, and Latin American music.

  • Famous Jazz musicians include Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.

  • Jazz music has had a significant impact on popular music genres such as rock, hip-hop, and electronic music.

  • Jazz education programs and institutions, such as the Berklee College of Music and the Juilliard School, have played a key role in the development and promotion of Jazz music.

Takeaways

  • Jazz music is a complex and diverse genre that encompasses a wide range of styles and sub-genres.

  • Key elements of Jazz music include improvisation, swing rhythm, harmony, form, and instrumentation.

  • Jazz music has been influenced by a wide range of musical styles and cultures, and has had a significant impact on popular music.

  • Jazz education programs and institutions have played a key role in the development and promotion of Jazz music.

Here's some sample Jazz Music vocabulary lists Sign in to generate your own vocabulary list worksheet.

Word Definition
Improvisation The act of making up music on the spot, rather than playing a pre-written piece.
Swing A rhythmic style of jazz music featuring a strong, steady beat and a relaxed, syncopated feel.
Harmony The combination of simultaneously sounded musical notes to produce chords and chord progressions.
Scat A jazz singing technique that involves improvising nonsense syllables, often in a call-and-response style with other musicians.
Big Band A large jazz ensemble typically consisting of trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and a rhythm section (piano, bass, drums, guitar).
Bebop A style of jazz that features complex harmony and fast tempos, often played by small ensembles.
Fusion A style of jazz that combines elements of jazz and rock music, often featuring electric instruments and a more driving beat.
Syncopation A rhythmic technique in which an unexpected beat is accented or emphasized, often by playing off the beat or accenting a weak beat.
Brass A family of wind instruments that includes trumpets, trombones, and horns, often used in jazz ensembles.
Swing Era A period in the late 1930s and early 1940s during which swing music was the most popular style of jazz, featuring big bands and dance clubs.
Jam Session An informal gathering of jazz musicians who play together and improvise freely, often in a club or other live music setting.
Hard Bop A style of jazz that emerged in the late 1950s and emphasized blues and gospel influences, featuring small ensembles and extended improvisations.
Walking Bass A bass line that moves consistently and smoothly, often playing one note per beat, and providing a steady rhythm and foundation for the rest of the music.
Ballad A slow, romantic jazz standard or popular song, often featuring a singer and a smaller ensemble.
Bossa Nova A style of Brazilian jazz that emerged in the late 1950s and features a laid-back, samba-influenced rhythm and gentle melodies.
Scalic Improvisation An approach to improvisation that uses scales and modes as a starting point for creating melodies, often moving up and down the scale in a logical and musically pleasing way.
Saxophone A woodwind instrument commonly used in jazz music, featuring a curved body and a single reed.
Modal Jazz A style of jazz that emerged in the 1960s and emphasized the use of modes rather than traditional chord progressions, often featuring extended improvisations and a more open, experimental sound.
Solo A musical performance by a single instrument or voice, often improvised in jazz music.
Beats per Minute The tempo or speed of a piece of music, calculated by counting the number of beats in one minute.

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Study Guide for Jazz Music

Introduction

Jazz music is a genre that emerged in the early 20th century in the United States. Jazz is characterized by its unique rhythms, harmonies, and improvisation. As a college-level student of jazz music, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of its historical background, subgenres, musical elements, and notable musicians.

Historical Background

  • Early jazz music originated from African American communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the Southern United States.
  • The genre was influenced by African and European music traditions and evolved through various subgenres such as ragtime, swing, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion.
  • Jazz music has had profound political and social impact as it was used as a form of protest against racism and oppression.

Subgenres of Jazz Music

  • Ragtime Jazz: A popular subgenre of jazz music during the early 20th century characterized by a syncopated rhythm.
  • Swing Jazz: Also known as Big Band Jazz, characterized by a smooth and danceable rhythm.
  • Bebop Jazz: A subgenre characterized by fast tempos, complex harmonies, and instrumental virtuosity.
  • Cool Jazz: A subgenre that emerged in the 1950s, featuring slower tempos, lighter tones, and the use of counterpoint in improvisation.
  • Fusion Jazz: A subgenre that emerged in the 1970s, combining elements of jazz and rock music.

Musical Elements of Jazz Music

  • Swing: rhythmic feel that propels the music forward.
  • Improvisation: a key element of jazz music that allows musicians to create music spontaneously.
  • Harmony: jazz music utilizes intricate chord progressions, and dissonance for musical expression.
  • Melody: often simple and repetitive, but jazz musicians use improvisation to build upon it.
  • Instruments: Jazz music incorporates a variety of instruments such as trumpet, saxophone, drums, bass, and piano.

Notable Musicians

  • Louis Armstrong: trumpeter and vocalist who pioneered improvisation and was a key figure in the development of jazz music in the 1920s.
  • Duke Ellington: bandleader, pianist, and composer who was instrumental in the development of swing music during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Charlie Parker: alto saxophonist and composer who was a key figure in the development of bebop jazz in the 1940s.
  • Miles Davis: trumpeter and bandleader who was instrumental in the development of cool jazz in the 1950s.
  • John Coltrane: saxophonist and composer who was a key figure in the development of modal jazz in the 1960s.

Conclusion

Jazz music is a complex and dynamic genre that has played a significant role in American history and culture. A college-level understanding of jazz music requires knowledge of its historical background, subgenres, musical elements, and notable musicians. With this study guide, you can begin to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for jazz music.

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Practice Sheet for Jazz Music

Section 1: Theory

  1. Write out the chords for a ii-V-I progression in the key of Bb
  2. What are the main characteristics of Bebop music?
  3. Describe the difference between swing rhythm and straight rhythm.
  4. What is a Tritone substitution in Jazz music?
  5. Identify the modes of the major scale.

Section 2: Ear Training

  1. Listen to a recording of a jazz standard and identify the key.
  2. Transcribe a short melodic phrase from a recording of a jazz solo.
  3. Listen to a chord progression and identify the chord qualities and extensions.
  4. Transpose a lead sheet for a jazz standard to a different key.
  5. Identify the intervals between two notes in a jazz chord.

Section 3: Repertoire

  1. Learn the melody and chord changes to All the Things You Are
  2. Transcribe a solo from a recording of Giant Steps by John Coltrane.
  3. Learn to play the head and chord progression for Blue Bossa.
  4. Transcribe the melody to Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma.
  5. Learn to play the head and chord progression for So What by Miles Davis.

Section 4: Improvisation

  1. Play a solo over a ii-V-I progression in the key of C.
  2. Improvise a solo using only the Locrian mode.
  3. Play a solo over a rhythm changes progression.
  4. Utilize chromatic passing tones in a jazz solo.
  5. Improvise using a diminished whole tone scale over a dominant chord.

Section 5: History and Culture

  1. Describe the social and cultural context of Jazz music’s origins.
  2. Identify at least three influential Jazz artists from the Swing era.
  3. Explain the significance of the album Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.
  4. Discuss the impact of Jazz music on the Civil Rights movement.
  5. Identify the characteristics of Free Jazz and its significance in Jazz history.

Jazz Music Practice Sheet

Sample Problem

Given a 12-bar blues progression in the key of C, write out a jazz blues solo using the blues scale.

Step 1: Learn the 12-bar blues progression in the key of C.

The 12-bar blues progression in the key of C is:

Bar Chord
1 C7
2 F7
3 C7
4 F7
5 C7
6 F7
7 G7
8 F7
9 C7
10 F7
11 C7
12 G7

Step 2: Learn the blues scale.

The blues scale is a six-note scale with the following notes:

  • C - D#/Eb - F - G - G#/Ab - Bb

Step 3: Practice improvising with the blues scale.

Practice improvising with the blues scale by playing through the 12-bar blues progression in the key of C. Start with a simple melody and then experiment with different rhythms, articulations, and dynamics.

Step 4: Record your solo.

Once you have a solo that you are happy with, record it so that you can listen back and analyze your performance.

Practice Problems

  1. What is the difference between jazz and blues?

  2. What is the most common chord progression in jazz?

  3. What is the difference between a major and a minor blues scale?

  4. What is the difference between a swing and a straight eighth note feel?

  5. What is the difference between a jazz waltz and a jazz shuffle?

  6. What is the difference between a jazz ballad and a jazz up-tempo?

  7. How do you construct a jazz solo?

  8. How do you construct a jazz chord progression?

  9. What is the difference between a jazz blues and a jazz standard?

  10. What is the difference between a jazz quartet and a jazz big band?

Jazz Music Practice Sheet

Scales

  • Identify the notes of the major scale
  • Play the major scale in different keys
  • Identify the notes of the harmonic minor scale
  • Play the harmonic minor scale in different keys
  • Identify the notes of the melodic minor scale
  • Play the melodic minor scale in different keys

Chords

  • Identify the notes in a major chord
  • Play the major chord in different keys
  • Identify the notes in a minor chord
  • Play the minor chord in different keys
  • Identify the notes in a dominant chord
  • Play the dominant chord in different keys
  • Identify the notes in a diminished chord
  • Play the diminished chord in different keys

Improvisation

  • Identify the notes of the pentatonic scale
  • Play the pentatonic scale in different keys
  • Identify the notes of the blues scale
  • Play the blues scale in different keys
  • Identify the notes of the bebop scale
  • Play the bebop scale in different keys
  • Identify the notes of the jazz scale
  • Play the jazz scale in different keys

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Jazz Music Quiz

Test your knowledge of Jazz Music with this challenging quiz.

Question Answer
Name 3 sub-genres of Jazz. Swing, Bebop, Fusion, Free Jazz, Cool Jazz, Latin Jazz, Jazz Funk, and Avant-garde Jazz.
Who is considered the Father of Jazz? Buddy Bolden
The origins of jazz can be traced back to which continent? Africa
What is the role of the bass in a standard jazz group? The bass provides the harmonic foundation for the rest of the instruments to build upon.
Name 3 famous jazz pianists and one album by each. Bill Evans - Sunday at the Village Vanguard, Thelonious Monk - Brilliant Corners, Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage
What is scat singing? A style in which singers use nonsense syllables to improvise rhythms and melodies.
What is the difference between a riff and a lick in jazz? A riff is usually a short repetitive phrase played as an accompaniment to a solo or vocalist, whereas a lick is a short melodic line played as a solo.
Who is considered the King of Swing? Benny Goodman
What is the name of the famous jazz festival held annually in Montreux, Switzerland? Montreux Jazz Festival
What is improvisation in jazz? The act of spontaneously creating music while playing an instrument or singing.
Problem Answer
What is the traditional instrumentation of a jazz combo? A jazz combo typically consists of a rhythm section (piano, bass, and drums) and a lead instrument (saxophone, trumpet, guitar, or vocals).
Name three jazz subgenres. Swing, Bebop, Cool Jazz, Hard Bop, Free Jazz, Fusion, Avant-Garde Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Acid Jazz.
What is the difference between improvisation and composition? Improvisation is the spontaneous creation of music in the moment, while composition is the pre-planned creation of music.
Name three jazz musicians. Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.
What is the difference between a jazz standard and a jazz original? A jazz standard is a pre-existing song that is often covered by jazz musicians, while a jazz original is an original composition created by a jazz musician.
What is the difference between a blues scale and a major scale? A blues scale is a minor pentatonic scale with an added flat 5th note, while a major scale is a seven-note scale with a major 3rd interval.
What is the difference between a jazz solo and an accompaniment? A jazz solo is a solo performance by a single musician, while an accompaniment is a musical part that supports the main melody or soloist.
Name three jazz chord progressions. The 12-bar blues, the ii-V-I progression, and the minor blues progression.
What is the difference between a jazz rhythm section and a jazz ensemble? A jazz rhythm section is a group of musicians that provide the rhythmic foundation for a jazz ensemble, while a jazz ensemble is a larger group of musicians that includes a rhythm section as well as lead instruments.
What is the difference between a jazz riff and a jazz lick? A jazz riff is a repeating phrase or pattern, while a jazz lick is a short phrase or solo that is often used as a bridge or transition.

Jazz Music Quiz

Question Answer
What is the most common form of jazz? Swing
What is the name of the most famous jazz club in New York City? The Village Vanguard
What instrument is most commonly associated with jazz music? Saxophone
What is the name of the most famous jazz musician? Louis Armstrong
What is the name of the style of jazz music developed by Miles Davis? Cool Jazz
What is the name of the style of jazz music developed by John Coltrane? Modal Jazz
What is the name of the style of jazz music developed by Charlie Parker? BeBop
What is the name of the style of jazz music developed by Ornette Coleman? Free Jazz
What is the name of the style of jazz music developed by Dizzy Gillespie? Afro-Cuban Jazz
What is the name of the style of jazz music developed by Thelonious Monk? Hard Bop
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