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Course Syllabus

MUSC 3030 Jazz and Popular Music

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Prerequisites: Acceptance into the BMCM program.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2026
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2030
  • End Semester: Fall 2031
  • Optimum Class Size: 20
  • Maximum Class Size: 30

Course Description

This course is a survey of the history of Jazz and American Popular Music from the 19th Century to the present day, including Jazz, Country, Blues, R&B and American Popular song. Students will further develop listening skills that help them identify and intelligently talk about jazz styles.

Justification

This course serves students who are completing the Bachelor of Music with Emphasis in Commercial Music degree, providing them with a substantial foundation in American vernacular music traditions. Similar courses are taught in most NASM accredited music programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to aurally identify important styles, genres, composers and artists in Jazz and American Popular Music.
  2. Students will be able to transcribe important works harmonically, melodically and rhythmically.
  3. Students will be conversant in the historical contexts of Jazz and American Popular Music.
  4. Students will be able to describe the development of the music industry from its creation to the present day.

Course Content

This course will introduce the roots of Jazz and American Popular music. It will trace the development of Jazz, Country, Blues, Rhythm and Blues, and American Popular song from the 19th Century to the present day. Students will become familar with musical styles, forms and major artists. The course will also locate American vernacular music in the contexts of politics, culture, commerce and social change. Jazz styles to be studied include blues, ragtime, and New Orleans Jazz. Popular music styles to be studied include parlor songs, spirituals, Tin Pan Alley, Country, Rock, Rhythm and Blues, Hip Hop, and Modern Pop.