History of Jazz

Discover jazz from the early 20^th century to the present, developing an appreciation for the music that includes its history, composition, and musical styling. Jazz originated in African American communities across the US as a syncopated blend of different musical styles. Explore the lives of composers and pivotal band leaders and examine the impact of the socio-political environment on jazz. Learn to identify works by significant jazz artists and periods. Apply basic music theory skills to understand what’s happening in a jazz composition. Open to students of all levels.