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Course Flow

The following is the suggested course flow for students interested in moderating into Jazz at Bard College.

Available/Appropriate courses for Freshmen:

Fall Semester

  • FYSEM I - (4 credits)
  • Distribution Course - (4 credits)
  • MUS173 Jazz Ear Training/MUS171 Jazz Harmony I - (4 credits) *Required for Jazz students.
  • MUS WKSHP3 Jazz Improv I - (2 credits)
  • Sight Reading - (2 credits) *Required for Jazz students.
  • Ensemble - (audit) (Big Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Vocal Ensemble, Samba School)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
  • Total: 18 credits
Spring Semester
  • FYSEM II - (4 credits)
  • Distribution Course - 4 credits
  • MUS173B Jazz Ear Training / MUS171B Jazz Harmony I, II - (4 credits)
  • MUS WKSHP4 Jazz Improv II - (2 credits)
  • MUS WKSHP Sight Reading - (2 credits)
  • Ensemble - (audit)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
  • Total music credits: 10
  • Total credits :18

Available/appropriate courses for Sophomores:

Fall Semester
  • MUS211 Jazz In Literature I - (4 credits)
  • MUS266C Jazz Repertory Bebop Masters I - (4 credits)
  • MUS266B American Popular Song I - (4 credits)
  • MUS WKSHP Improv III - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Spring Semester
  • MUS211 Jazz Literature II - (4 credits)
  • MUS266C Jazz Repertory Bebop Masters II - (4 credits)
  • MUS266B American Popular Song II - (4 credits)
  • MUS WKSHP Improv lV - (2 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)

Available/appropriate courses for Juniors:

Fall Semester

  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble I - (2 credits)
  • MUS266D Music of John Coltrane I (4 credits)
  • MUS367B Jazz Composition I - (4 credits)
  • MUS366A Advanced Contemporary Jazz Techniques I - (4 credits)
  • MUS331 Jazz: Freedom Principle I - (4 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Spring Semester
  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble II - (2 credits)
  • MUS266D Music of John Coltrane II (4 credits)
  • MUS367B Jazz Composition II - (4 credits)
  • MUS366B Advanced Contemporary Jazz Techniques ll - (4 credits)
  • MUS331 Jazz: Freedom Principle II - (4 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)

Suggested courses for Seniors:

Fall Semester

  • MUS356 Arranging Techniques: Jazz I - (4 credits)
  • MUS366C Advanced Contemporary Jazz Techniques III - (4 credits)
  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble III - (2 credits)
  • MUS331 Jazz: Freedom Principle III - (4 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Spring Semester
  • MUS356 Arranging Techniques: Jazz II - (4 credits)
  • MUS366D Advanced Contemporary Techniques lV - (4 credits)
  • MUS108N Contemporary Composers Ensemble lV - (2 credits)
  • MUS331 Jazz: Freedom Principle lV - (4 credits)
  • Lessons - (2 credits)
Note:
Jazz Composition I & II followed by Jazz Arranging I & II is a two year sequence, and can be started in your Sophomore or Junior year, depending on when the sequence begins for your four year program.

Contemporary Jazz Composers Ensemble is available to all Jazz students who have advanced sight reading and performance skills.

Applying to the Program