Jazz and Improvisation at Berkeley
Jazz performance at Berkeley explores the intersection between improvisation and composition. Guided under the vision of Myra Melford and Ben Goldberg, the Department of Music’s jazz and improvisational music offerings follow a philosophy honoring jazz, blues, and new-music traditions, emphasizing emerging developments in musical technique, theory, technology and performance. Through rigorous research, rehearsal, compositional work, and arranging, Berkeley’s Jazz offerings give students a comprehensive understanding of Jazz as an art form today.
This approach is encapsulated in the Berkeley Nu Jazz Collective, an advanced small ensemble of improvisers exploring a range of repertoire, including music by innovative jazz composers of the 1960s thru today, as well as original student compositions and arrangements through conventional and experimental practices. Past instances of the Nu Jazz Collective have recorded original student compositions at Fantasy Studios; produced an innovative collaboration between improvisers in the culinary arts and music; presented master classes with drummer Allison Miller, saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock, drummer Tom Rainey, pianist Alexander Hawkins, cellist Ben Davis, guitarist Nels Cline, and the progressive jazz group Kneebody, among others; held concerts with renowned musicians Denny Zeitlin, Taylor Eigsti, Matt Wilson, Mark Dresser, Art Lande, Paul McCandless, Ben Wendel, Dan Tepfer and Michael Formanek; and much more.
As a whole, the Department of Music’s Jazz offerings emphasize a holistic approach to music, recognizing that music is not just a sound, but a philosophy. The sound we make in concert flows into other walks of life, whether it be architecture, art, other forms of music or other performance types.
Courses
Students, both graduate and undergraduate, interested in the performance, composition, arrangement, and critical studies of Jazz & Contemporary Improvised Music have a number of opportunities to pursue their interests. All except Music 128 culminate in performance usually at the end of the semester. Participation is by permission of the instructor. All courses are open to both majors & non-majors.
Music 116 Improvisation in the Jazz Tradition
A systematic study of jazz theory including scales, chords, keyboard voicings, solo transcription, and tune study approached through playing, singing, listening, writing, improvization, analysis, and small ensemble playing. Contact: ben.goldberg.music@berkeley.edu
An advanced 8 – 10 piece ensemble of improvisers, explores a range of repertoire including music by innovative jazz composers of the 1960s – today, as well as original student compositions and arrangements, and experimental practices in improvisational music. Activities include repertoire study and practice, listening, transcription, analysis, arranging and performing/recording. More info on Nu Jazz.
MU168E Individual Lessons in Jazz and Improvised Music
Intermediate or advanced instruction in the performance of jazz and improvisation. A directed program of study including participation in department-sponsored or UC Jazz ensembles, workshops, and special projects where applicable. Will include instruction and/or coaching, individually or in groups. Each student’s studies will lead to some kind of public performance. The student’s program will be worked out in consultation with the faculty in charge of the course. More info on lessons.
