The Jazz Program
Lower Division to Bachelor of Music

Mission statement

Our mission is to cultivate a new generation of musicians who possess a deep understanding of jazz and its associated traditions, emphasizing the transformative power of ensemble performance. By fostering innovation alongside a solid foundation in the jazz language, students will be equipped to contribute to and evolve the art form in Lebanon and beyond.

Ensemble at the heart

At the Lebanese Higher National Conservatory of Music, ensemble experience is the cornerstone of both the learning and teaching philosophy. It is our belief that no student can truly acquire the skills necessary for professional success without regular, immersive participation in ensemble settings.

CYCLE 1 · LOWER DIVISION (FRESHMAN–SOPHOMORE)

Focus: Establishing foundational skills in jazz performance and theory.
Jazz Theory I & II
Ear Training I & II
Instrumental Proficiency (weekly private lessons)
Jazz Improvisation I
Ensemble Performance (small group)
History of Jazz
Introduction to Composition and Arranging
Introduction to Piano (non-pianists)

CYCLE 2 · UPPER DIVISION (JUNIOR–SENIOR)

Focus: Advanced performance, composition, and professional readiness.
Advanced Jazz Theory and Harmony
Advanced Ear Training
Jazz Composition and Arranging
Improvisation Techniques II
Ensemble Performance (large ensemble and small group)
Contemporary Jazz Styles
Capstone Senior Recital
Music Pedagogy and Professional Practices

Music Theory and Harmony

Comprehensive study of jazz harmony and advanced theoretical concepts.

Ear Training

Mastery of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic recognition.

Ensemble Playing

Small group dynamics and performance practice.

Improvisation

Exploration of improvisational techniques and strategies.

Arranging and Composition

Techniques for arranging and composing within jazz idioms.

Music History

Historical study of jazz and its cultural contexts.

The course

Theory of Jazz Music is divided into two credit courses to be taught in the span of two academic semesters: MUJ 342 and MUJ 352. This course provides in addition to the classical theory of music, the specific foundations of Jazz Theory and harmony. MUJ 342 begins with basic Jazz Theory, the Major Scale and the II-V-I Progression, Chord, Major Scale Harmony, Melodic Minor Scale Harmony, Diminished Scale Harmony, Whole Tone Scale Harmony, to how to practice Scales and Slash Chords.

Outcomes and content

The primary goal of any aspiring jazz musician is to learn to improvise. To that end this course will look at the fundamental concepts of jazz harmony, chord/scale relationships, chord voicings and commonly used substitutions. Practical application of this material will be a main focus and students will be tested on their use of this knowledge in a live performance setting.
The students develop an ability to map out chord scale relationships in standard jazz repertoire. They will also be asked to study chord voicings, alternate chord progressions for common forms. Emphasis will be put on developing basic knowledge of jazz harmony and then immediately applying those skills in classroom performances of modern, standard jazz repertoire.
Texts: Modern Reading Text in 4/4 time – Louis Bellson/ Gil Breines; Essential Rhythms For Jazz Ensemble – Doug Beach & George Shutack; Improvisation The Jazz Language – Dan Haerle; Jazz/Rock voicings for the contemporary keyboard player – Dan Haerle.

Course requirements

The student will sing and identify intervals, basic rhythms, melodies in major and minor keys, triads, chord progressions, and seventh chords. Emphasis will be put on learning how to transcribe melodic lines, jazz improvisation, and bass lines as a way to profoundly internalize jazz phrasing and rhythmic concepts.

Keyboard and grading

The student will also demonstrate basic keyboard skills for intervals, scales and be able to play chord progressions of selected repertoire. The student’s grade will be determined by short periodic exams in singing, aural recognition, easy transcription, memorization of selected Jazz standards and keyboard skills.

Improvisation techniques

Using guide tones and chord tones as a basis for melodic lines.
Applying scale-based improvisation to navigate harmonic changes.
Developing rhythmic motifs and phrasing for expressive solos.
Practicing transcriptions of jazz solos to internalize vocabulary.

Chord–scale relationships and vocabulary

Understanding chord-scale relationships, such as using Dorian and Mixolydian modes for minor and dominant chords.
Building a vocabulary of licks and phrases through transcription and practice.
Exploring timing and pacing to create cohesive musical statements.
Practicing solo construction by writing and memorizing ideal solos over standard progressions.
Using tools like Miles Davis’s recordings, especially 'Kind of Blue,' for practical examples of lyrical and accessible improvisation.

Objectives

Perform a diverse repertoire with stylistic accuracy and expression.
Develop ensemble cohesion through active listening and communication.
Explore improvisation within ensemble contexts, applying theoretical principles.
Participate in regular performances, fostering stage presence and professionalism.

Performance opportunities

Weekly ensemble rehearsals and performances in small and large groups.
Regular student recitals showcasing solo and ensemble work.
Participation in jazz festivals, concerts, and community events throughout Lebanon.
Collaborative performances with other departments and external institutions.
Opportunities to perform original compositions in professional settings.

Course topics

Writing for small and large ensembles.
Techniques in melodic coupling, counterpoint, and reharmonization.
Exploring non-functional harmony and advanced voicing techniques.
Creating compositions that blend traditional jazz forms with modern innovations.

Composition techniques

Students will learn techniques such as melodic development, reharmonization, and the use of modal and chromatic language in original works. Compositions should integrate theoretical knowledge with creative expression.

The eras

Origins of Jazz (1900–1914): Jazz emerged from a blend of African, European, and American musical traditions, with roots in blues, spirituals, and ragtime.
Swing Era (1929–1945): Characterized by large ensembles and highly danceable rhythms, the Swing Era made jazz America's popular music.
Bebop (1940s): A response to the commercialism of swing, bebop introduced complex harmonies, fast tempos, and virtuosic improvisation.

The eras (continued)

Cool Jazz and Hard Bop (1950s): Cool jazz emphasized smooth, lyrical lines, while hard bop incorporated elements of gospel and blues.
Free Jazz and Fusion (1960s–1970s): Free jazz broke traditional harmonic and rhythmic conventions, while fusion combined jazz with rock and world music influences.

Scales and modes

Major Scale: The fundamental scale in Western music, consisting of seven notes arranged in whole and half-step intervals: W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
Modes of the Major Scale: Derived by starting the major scale on each successive note, these modes include: Ionian (Major), Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian (Natural Minor), and Locrian.
Pentatonic Scales: Five-note scales commonly used in blues and jazz improvisation.
Blues Scale: A six-note scale used extensively in blues and jazz, adding a b5 to the minor pentatonic scale: 1-b3-4-b5-5-b7.
Melodic Minor Scale: A scale with a minor third and raised sixth and seventh degrees ascending.
Harmonic Minor Scale: A minor scale with a raised seventh degree, creating a distinctive interval structure.

Chord progressions

ii-V-I Progression: A cornerstone of jazz harmony, the ii-V-I resolves tension through a sequence of chords based on the second, fifth, and first degrees of the scale.
Minor ii-V-I: A variation used in minor keys, typically involving a half-diminished ii chord (e.g., Dm7b5), a dominant V chord (e.g., G7), and a minor I chord (e.g., Cm7).
Voice Leading: The smooth transition of notes between chords, emphasizing stepwise motion and minimizing leaps.
Extended Chords: Chords that include notes beyond the seventh, such as ninths, elevenths, and thirteenths, adding richness and complexity.

Cycle 1

Lower Division

Foundational studies in jazz performance, theory, and history.

Cycle 2

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies

Advanced studies focusing on specialization, composition, and professional performance.

Beyond

After the Bachelor's Degree

Upon completion of the bachelor's degree, students may pursue further specialization in specific areas such as jazz composition, performance, or pedagogy.