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Lecture 2
Rhythm/Instrumentation (1)

I. Introduction

A. Announcements

B. Recap from Last Week

1. Definitions

2. Ontology

3. Jazz Music Characteristics

C. Content of Today’s Class

1. Rhythm

2. Instrumentation: The Rhythm Section

II. Rhythm

A. What Is Rhythm?

1. Beat/Pulsation

2. Tempo

3. Meter/Measures/Bars

4. Syncopation and Accentuation

B. Characteristics of Jazz Rhythm

1. Eighth-Note Pattern

2. Syncopation

3. Polyrhythm

4. Jazz Swing Feeling

III. Instrumentation (1): Rhythmic Section

A. Instruments

1. Drums

2. Bass

3. Piano

4. Guitar

B. Role of the Rhythmic Section

1. Rhythmic Stability

2. Harmonic and Form Structure

3. Soloists: Interaction and Support

 

IV.Reading and Listening

A. Reading

1. For This Lecture

a) Gridley, p. 21-23 (piano and bass)

b) Gridley, p. 23-27 (Drums; last week)

2. Next Lecture

a) Everyone

(1) Gridley, p. 403-407

(2) Gridley, p. 43, Figure 4.1 (Guitar and Banjo)

b) Nonmusicians

(1) Gridley, p. 381-390

(a) Not part of Exams

(i) Simply for helping you understand musical terms and notions

(ii) Will help you to better understand chords and forms

c) Musicians

(1) Gridley p. 381-390 AND/OR

(2) Gridley, p. 431-447

B. Listening

1. For This Lecture

a) Demonstration CD, Tracks 21-24, 27 (Bass)

b) Demonstration CD, Track 20, 37 (Piano)

c) Demonstration CD, Track 29 (Bass and piano)

d) Demonstration CD, Track 84-96 (Guitar and Banjo)

2. Next Class

a) Demonstration CD, Tracks 16-19 (Chords)

b) Demonstration CD, Tracks 59-83 (Solo Instruments)

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