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MUS 544: Jazz Theory & Improvisation I
This course will give you the methods, tools and experience needed to continue to develop your own improvisational style and vocabulary. We will primarily be focusing on these concepts and song forms: Harmonic Numbering System, Modes and Chord Qualities, Understanding Harmony as Emotion, Basic Jazz Harmony and Voice Leading, Theme and Variations, Motivic/Rhythmic Development, Time, Phrasing, Eye/Ear/Brain/Body Connection, Chord/Scale Relationship, Strong Beat/Weak Beat and Key Fluency. Practice and performance methods will be discussed and implemented. You will be required to play your instrument and sing in class.
Offered in 2 of the 26 listed terms (Fall 2025 to Fall 2026).
Catalog entryBrowse ClassesTextbooks (WWU Bookstore)
Prerequisites
None that Banner enforces.
From Banner's catalog for Spring 2027. Banner lists only the requisites it enforces, so check the catalog entry too.
Required by (1)
What it leads to
Courses that list it as a prerequisite, then the courses that list those, 2 levels deep.
- MUS 545 Jazz Theory & Improvisation II
Syllabi and course websites
None listed yet.
Instructors
| Instructor | Sections | Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Woods, Kevin | 2 | Fall 2025 to Fall 2026 |
Every offering in the listed terms (2 sections)
| Term | Sec | CRN | Type | Meets | Instructor | Enrolled | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | 0 | 43210 | Lecture | MWF 11:00am-11:50am · PA 110 | Woods, Kevin | 2/2 | Face to Face Instruction |
| Fall 2025 | 0 | 44124 | Lecture | MWF 11:00am-11:50am · PA 110 | Woods, Kevin | 1/5 | Face to Face Instruction |