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Where the most Inspired Musicians
become the most Inspiring Music Teachers

Summer 2023 MECA

Continuing Education Courses

Online

Beginning Jazz Improvisation

Date

June 5-July 28, 2023

Course Code

7103

Credits

3 Graduate Credits

Tuition

$1,080 is due in full with registration.

Overview

This course is designed for music performers and educators who want to learn how to improvise. Through carefully selected jazz repertoire, participants will learn the basic mechanics of improvisation and the essential music theory elements needed to improvise, including modal improvisation, the blues, ii-V-I progressions, and simplifying chord progressions. Participants will practice and perform jazz improvisation concepts on the instrument of their choice. No previous experience with improvisation is required.

Requirements

Chat Session

This course is asynchronous.

Prerequisites

None

Required Text(s)

None

Learning Platform Information - Online Courses Only

Schoology is a learning management system that allows you to interact directly with your instructors, fellow students, and members of the greater VanderCook community.

The evening  before your class begins, be on the lookout for an email from Schoology with log-in instructions. Once you receive credentials, visit www.online.vandercook.edu to login. 

Some courses have specific online chat meeting times (please see course descriptions), while others have a flexible meeting schedule. You can expect all courses to meet together in a live online chat. If a live meeting time doesn’t work, you can work with your instructor to make other arrangements.

More information about Schoology can be found at www.schoology.com

Please see specific software/hardware requirements in the course description.

Online course grades are available within two weeks of the course(s) completion.  If you need a transcript, please CLICK HERE to access the online transcript request form. For a faster turnaround time, please submit the transcript request to the registrar prior to the end of your course(s).

Instructor

Michael Fein Headshot

Michael Fein

Michael Fein earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Rutgers University and a Masters of Jazz Saxophone Performance from Rowan University. Michael has published articles and lesson plans with MET Magazine and Sound Tree. He has presented numerous sessions at music and technology conferences including the 2005 National Education Computing Conference in Philadelphia, the 2009 TI:ME National Conference in San Antonio, TX, and the 2010 TI:ME National Conference in New Brunswick, NJ. Michael currently teaches music technology electives and the jazz ensemble at Haverford High School and serves as an adjunct jazz saxophone instructor at Swarthmore College. Michael’s resume includes performances with Ralph Peterson, Stanley Cowell, Scott Whitfield, Ralph Bowen, Denis DiBlasio, Arden Theater Company, and lead alto work with the great Ray Charles. Michael released his debut CD entitled Four Flights Up in April 2005. The CD features Michael and his jazz sextet performing original tunes and arrangements. The CD was re-released by Dreambox Media in October 2006 and is now available for purchase through Amazon.com, DreamboxMedia.com, and select local record stores.

The mission of VanderCook College of Music is to enrich the lives of present and future generations by developing uniquely skilled music teachers who exhibit strong character, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.

© 2023 VanderCook College of Music. All Rights Reserved.
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