Jazz DeMystified:
Evolution of An Art Form
a.k.a. All That Jazz: Appreciating an American Art Form
Eight Classes, 2 hr. Lecture
Jazz music is a unique and truly American art form that has been embraced around the world for over a century. Often misunderstood as styles became more complex, the course will illuminate each genre as it tracks the progress of Jazz from its origin in New Orleans: Marching Bands, Ragtime and Dixieland through the Big Bands of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s to Bebop, Post Bop West Coast (Cool Jazz) and East Coast (Hard Bop). It will look at Modern and Free Jazz, the advent of electronic instruments that created Fusion Jazz and finally, Contemporary, New Age and the young cutting edge artists of today. And as we move through the chronology there will be special focus and “deep dives” on seminal artists who have influenced the endless evolution of Jazz.
Lesson Breakdown
New Orleans: Origins, Marching Bands (funeral & festival), Dixieland, Ragtime
Big Bands of the 30’s, 40’s & 50’s
Bebop
Post Bop East Coast (Hard Bop)
Post Bop West Coast (Cool Jazz)
Modern & Free Jazz
Fusion Jazz
Recent & Contemporary Artists, New Age Jazz, Retro & What’s Next
Jazz In Class