Vocal Jazz Techniques
MUJS 3120
Syllabus and Course Requirements –Spring 2013
Class Meetings - MW 1:00 - 1:50 (MU 263)
Instructor - Rosana Eckert Office - MU 348 (940-369-5942)
Email-
Course Prerequisites: MUTH 1500, MUJS 1370, 1371, 1470
Course Objectives: During each of the three semesters, the student will develop his/her jazz solo style, ear training, jazz piano skills, and communication skills; study the artistic style of respected jazz vocalists; and develop a personal repertoire and song book. Due to the different levels of experience among the students, the course requirements may be tailored for individual students.
Attendance Policy: Due to the nature of the class, full attendance is required at all sessions. If you are unable to attend class (ill, personal emergency, out-of-town commitment, etc.) call my cell phone or office phonebefore class or the absence will be marked unexcused. Each unexcused absence will result in a lower participation grade by 10 points. Three un-excused absences will result in the lowering of the final grade by ten points. (Please don't make me have to do that. Just take care of business.) Each student will be expected to participate in every class by being on time, listening attentively to the performance, and offering comments courteously and in a positive manner. Tardiness will result in the lowering of the participation grade. Any student who is unable to sing at the allotted time must arrange with another student to exchange times. Failure to do so will result in a lower participation grade. (It is not possible to make-up a master class performance.)
Required Materials
Fake Book
Video recording device (or make arrangements for Rosana to record)
Audiotape, blank CD, or email (for transcription recordings)
Staff paper or music software (Finale/Band-in-a-box)
Four binders for gig book
Masterclass: Each student will bring 5 copies (one for each player, one for class) of a properly formatted chart on their designated singing day (each performance will be with piano, bass, guitar, and drums). While one student is singing, the rest of the class will serve as the attentive audience. After each performance, the class will have a brief discussion, and all students are encouraged to offer their comments, suggestions, and constructive criticism in a positive manner. Three singers will sing on each masterclass day, so again, punctuality is of extreme importance. First semester vocalists will program from the following styles: ballad (straight and/or swung), swing (up and medium), bossa nova and/or samba, blues. Optional: Shuffle. Second semester vocalists will program from the above styles, but they must also include at least 3 from below the line on the “grooves” list. Students who sing on Monday need to have their chart checked by Tyler Thomas no later than the previous Friday. Students who sing on Wednesday need to have their chart checked by Tyler no later than the previous Monday.
Chordal transcription: Each student will complete a lead sheet after having transcribed the chord changes from a jazz recording of their choice. (Refer to Chordal Transcription Guide for tips.) The melody does not have to be present. Lead sheets must be legible (band-in-a-box, finale, neat manuscript) and properly formatted (see handout). Choose music that has a clear bass sound, and avoid ballads with strings or big band arrangements. It is the sole responsibility of the student to hand the transcription in on time. (one day late = -5, two or more days late = -10) Transcriptions are due in class on the allocated day.
Vocal transcription performance (for classes fewer than 10 people): Each student will perform a vocal transcription of an improvisational solo. Oneof those solos must be an instrumental solo, and at least one must be from the suggested transcription list. The student will bring the recording to class and sing the solo with the recording. The goal is to emulate the soloist as closely as possible, both in content and style. Each transcription must be at least 32 measures in length and must be written out (written copy due at time of performance) with chord changes included. Please choose solos that are singable! If you need advice on transcription material, ask!
Vocal Transcription Project (for classes with more than 10 people)
The vocal transcription grade will now consist of only one long project (rather than three short performances). The student will choose a recording from which they will transcribe and perform at least 96 measures of improvised material. At least 96 measure should be written out and presented at the time of performance. The 96 measures can be a transcription of one long solo or from 2 or more shorter solos (ex: one chorus trumpet, one chorus sax, one chorus, vocal scat OR 3 choruses trombone). The vocalist will be graded based on their accuracy of rhythm, pitch, tone, articulation, dynamics and overall musical effect. The goal is to truly capture the feeling of having composed the chosen solo.
Midterm Evaluation:
The midterm evaluation will involve the pairing of two vocalists prior to the midterm date. These two paired vocalists will prepare an arrangement of a song to sing together (using an arrangement format of their choosing) with the rhythm section. Upon passing out the chord charts for all four players, they will have 90 seconds to offer any additional verbal instruction and count off the tune.
Piano Bar - The student's final masterclass performance will involve self-accompaniment on the piano (no bass and drums). The student will play the chord changes to one song (in his/her vocal key) using appropriate jazz voicings as taught in MUJS 1470. (Don't wait until the last minute! Please see me if you need any help with voicings.)
Final Evaluation and Songbook: The student must memorize and prepare charts for ten songs differing in style. These songs must be put into 4 different binders or folders to be handed to the jury players. One copy (not necessarily in a folder) must be given to the evaluation panel. The student will perform two songs: 1 student choice, 1 evaluation panel choice. The charts for the songs must be legible, properly formatted, in the proper key, and have acceptable chord changes. It is wise (but not necessary) to write intros and endings for final jury. (Highly recommended - melody and words written on charts - especially for jazz ballads!)
Performance/Participation: This grade is based upon level of preparedness (chart, memorization, vocal readiness), attendance and punctuality, and general progress throughout the semester.
The final grade is determined in the following manner:
Performance/Participation20%
Chordal Transcriptions 15%
Vocal Transcriptions15%
Piano bar 5%
Mid-Term20%
Final Jury25%
Vocal Jazz Techniques MUJS 3120 --- Fall 2013—Schedule
Wk 2 Sept. 9 Grooves
Sept. 11 Master Class – Group 1
Wk 3 Sept 16 Master Class – Group 2
Sept 18 Master Class – Group 3
Wk 4 Sept 23 Master Class – Group 4Chordal Transcription #1 due
Sept25 Master Class – Group 1
Wk 5Sept 30 Master Class – Group 2
Oct 2 Master Class – Group 3
Wk 6 Oct.7 Master Class – Group 4
Oct.9 Master Class – Group 1
Wk 7 Oct 14 Master Class – Group 2 Chordal Trans. #2 due
Oct 16 Master Class – Group 3
Wk 8 Oct 21 Master Class – Group 4
Oct 23 Mid-Term Project (duet presentations)
Wk 9 Oct. 28 Master Class – Group 1
Oct 30 Master Class – Group 2
Wk 10Nov 4 Master Class – Group 3
Nov. 6 Master Class – Group 4
Wk 11Nov. 11 Vocal Transcription Projects (no rhythm)
Nov. 13 Master Class – Group 1
Wk 12Nov. 18 Master Class – Group 2
Nov. 20 Master Class – Group 3 Chordal Trans. #3 due
Wk 13Nov. 25 Master Class – Group 4
Nov. 27 Discussion: Self promotion, Gig Gear (sound, books, etc)
DdWk Dec 2 Gig Sit-In (vocal trios with rhythm)
Dec 4 Final Masterclass – Piano Bar (no rhythm)
Dec. 11 Final Evaluation 10:30-12:30
THIS IS NOT THE SCHEDULED FINAL EXAM TIME FOR THIS CLASS. Please let me know by November 1st if you have a class conflict with this exam time. Rhythm section and vocalists are expected to be present for the entire exam time. Vocalists: NOTE: this is not the same event as your private lesson jury.
Vocal Jazz Forum – Fridays 3:00 - Room 263
Office of Disability Accommodation
The University of North Texas makes reasonable academic accommodation for students with disabilities. Students
seeking accommodation must first register with the Office of Disability Accommodation (ODA) to verify their
eligibility. If a disability is verified, the ODA will provide you with an accommodation letter to be delivered to faculty
to begin a private discussion regarding your specific needs in a course. You may request accommodations at any
time, however, ODA notices of accommodation should be provided as early as possible in the semester to avoid any
delay in implementation. Note that students must obtain a new letter of accommodation for every semester and
must meet with each faculty member prior to implementation in each class. For additional information see the
Office of Disability Accommodation website at You may also contact them by phone at
940.565.4323.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (Undergraduates)
A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue to receive financial aid. Students must
maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in addition to successfully completing a required number of credit hours
based on total registered hours per term. Students cannot exceed attempted credit hours above 150% of their
required degree plan. If a student does not maintain the required standards, the student may lose their financial aid
eligibility.
If at any point you consider dropping this or any other course, please be advised that the decision to do so may have
the potential to affect your current and future financial aid eligibility. Please visit
for more information about financial aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress. It may be wise for you to schedule a meeting with an academic advisor in your
college or visit the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office to discuss dropping a course being doing so.
Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (Graduates)
A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue to receive financial aid. Students must
maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA in addition to successfully completing a required number of credit hours
based on total registered hours per term. Students cannot exceed maximum timeframes established based on the
published length of the graduate program. If a student does not maintain the required standards, the student may
lose their financial aid eligibility.
If at any point you consider dropping this or any other course, please be advised that the decision to do so may have
the potential to affect your current and future financial aid eligibility. Please visit
for more information about financial aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress. It may be wise for you to schedule a meeting with an academic advisor in your
college or visit the Student Financial Aid and Scholarships office to discuss dropping a course being doing so.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is defined in the UNT Policy on Student Standards for Academic Integrity. Any suspected case
of Academic Dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the University Policy and procedures. Possible
academic penalties range from a verbal or written admonition to a grade of “F” in the course. Further sanctions may
apply to incidents involving major violations. You will find the policy and procedures at:
Student Behavior in the Classroom
Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students’ opportunity to learn
is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in
unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Center
for Student Rights and Responsibilities to consider whether the student’s conduct violated the Code of Student
Conduct. The university’s expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university
and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at: