Jazz arranging and composing

École de jazz à Paris | Cours d'instruments et de théorie

Introduction to jazz arranging and composing

Course description and objectives :

  • Writing basics
  • The lead-sheet
  • Melody / chord-chart correspondence criteria
  • Rhythmic modification and notation
  • Basic arrangements for quartets and quintets (one or two horns)
  • The rhythm section.

Level required: reading music in the G and F clefs.

 


Arranging

Level I

Continuation of arranging for quintet.

  • Counterpoint and guide tones
  • Arrangement for four and five horns
  • “Close” and “drop” voicing techniques.
  • Solo passages.
  • Writing for drums.

Level required: Introduction to arranging and composing

Level II

  • “Spread” voicings
  • Writing for big band
  • Conception of full-scale arrangement for large groups
  • Orchestration

Recommended reading material: “Sounds and Scores” by H. Mancini

Level required: Level I

 


Jazz Composition

Level I

  • Melodic, harmonic, formal and instrumental basics from the beginning of the modern jazz era (1950s).
  • Composition: Jazz-standard, modal, sub-dominant minor and modal-interchange harmony, as well as free changes.

Level required: Introduction to arranging and composing

Level II

Composition in the styles of the great, modern jazz composers: Monk, Mingus, Silver, Mulligan, Evans, Golson, Shorter, etc.

Level required: Level I

NB: A dispensation may be delivered by the teacher for any Jazz arranging and composing course.