Jonathan Noffsinger Associate Professor of Music 111 Moody Music Building (205) 348-1475 jnoffsin@bama.ua.edu

Jazz Piano/ Jazz Theory I - MUS 228
Moody Music Building Room 249 - 1 Credit Hour
Prerequisite: MUS 217 or permission of the instructor
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I.	Purpose/Objective
	The objective of Jazz Piano/Jazz Theory I is to introduce the student to the fundamental grammar, vocabulary and structure of the jazz language through the study of its nomenclature, chords, scales and their application on the piano.
II.	Required Materials
	A. Texts
	1.		The Jazz Theory Book by Mark Levine
	2.		The Jazz Piano Book by Mark Levine
	B. Writing Materials
	1.		Music Manuscript paper
	2.		Writing Paper
	3.		#2 Soft lead pencils
III.	Course Outline
	Section 001 of Jazz Piano/Jazz Theory I will meet from 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Monday and Wednesday and Section 002 of Jazz Piano/Jazz Theory I will meet from 11:00 – 11:50 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Both sections will meet in Room 238 of the Moody Music Building. Time in each class will be devoted to lecture and laboratory sessions.
	A. Attendance - Participation in each class is fundamental to developing an understanding of the material. Two unexcused absences will result in a reduction by one letter grade (from A to B for example). Tardiness will not be tolerated. Excessive tardiness will be treated as an unexcused absence. An excused absence may be defined as a lack of presence at a scheduled class because of: 1) a conflict with another required University function, or, 2) for compelling personal reasons such as a death in the family or a serious illness. When possible every effort should be made by the student to notify the instructor, personally, a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the absence.
	B. Grading Policy and Procedures Listed below are a series of skills which must be ably demonstrated by each student in a brief examination (identified by the word Perform in the Calendar) at the beginning of any class he/she chooses. Most students should elect to attempt only one of the 5 items at a time.
	Grading for these items will be Pass/Fail only, and once the student has passed an item he/she is free to move on to the next skill to be acquired. Most students should also choose to take their exams shortly (1 week) after the item has been introduced in class. No student will be permitted to take the Mid-term Exam until 3 items have been successfully completed or the Final Exam until all 5 items have been successfully completed. In the latter case, the student will receive an "I" if he/she has completed 3 or more items, and an automatic "F" for fewer than 3 items.
	The final grade will be determined as follows:
	a)	Weekly written, aural skills and performance assignments constituting 40% of the final grade (graded A-F)
	b)	A minimum of 8 quizzes, together constituting 20% of the final grade (graded A-F)
	c)	A Mid-term Exam constituting 20% of the final grade (graded A-F)
	d)	A Final Exam constituting 20% of the final grade (graded A-F)
	All written assignments are due at the beginning of the next class meeting unless otherwise noted. An assignment which arrives one class meeting late will receive one letter-grade reduction (from an "A" to a "B" for example). All tests and examinations will have either a written, singing and playing component or a combination. No make-up exams or quizzes will be given. This is a performance oriented class. It is expected that the student will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts discussed through her/his playing in class. Therefore, much outside preparation may be necessary
	Personal Conduct: It is hoped that students participating in Jazz Piano/Jazz Theory I will be challenged to achieve their full potential. At the same time, we are committed to providing a non-threatening learning environment. Conduct that may be regarded as harassing as defined in the University of Alabama’s stated policy will not be tolerated. To request disability accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 348-4285. After initial arrangements are made with that office, contact your professor.

Last modified on August 1, 2006 jnoffsin@bama.ua.edu