AM: Jazz Theory

Fine Arts Center

Jazz Theory Syllabus ~ 2024-2025

Joe Davidian, Jazz Instructor
Room: 220
Phone: 864-355-2570

  864-214-6004 (emergencies only)
E-mail: jdavidian@greenvilleschools.us

Class Times: 9:15 a.m.-11:05 a.m. 

Course Description: 

The study of intervals, circle of 5ths, pentatonic, diatonic and non-diatonic scales, triads, diatonic 7th chords, non-diatonic 7th chords, modes and harmonic analysis will be covered in this course.

Course Goals and Outcomes: 

The student will be able to write and play scales, modes, arpeggios, and learn to use them in a jazz composition. The outcomes will be measured with written tests. 

Required Materials: 

All students must have a 3-ring, 1.5-inch binder. Music paper and course materials assigned must be stored in the binder. “iRealPro” App and a metronome App are required on your phone. For Semester 2, “The Amazing Slowdowner” App is required on your phone. 

Course Requirements

A. Attendance and Tardy Policy: 

Regular attendance is critical to academic success. Students must be present at least half of the class period to be counted present. Students who are absent from class more than 5 days for a semester class or 10 days for a year-long class will not receive credit for the course. Absences excused by a doctor, court, or school administrator, which are excused, are the only exception. If a student does not attend at least half of a class, the student will be counted absent (not tardy) for that class period. Please see Student Handbook for a list of lawful and unlawful absences. 

The following is the FAC Tardy Policy-

• 3 tardies per school year - notification sent home to parent

• 6 tardies per school year - 1 day of OSS; suspension of parking pass for 1 month (if applicable); student placed on Probationary Status

• 9 tardies per school year - student loses the privilege to attend the FAC, removed from the program at the end of the semester. 

B. Late Work Policy: 

• Student attended class and failed to submit a required assignment on time
• Student has an unexcused absence as coded in PowerSchool 

Major Grades: In Class Accepted up to 3 days late, 15-point deduction per day
Grade will become and remain a zero (0) after 3 days.

Minor Grades:
Homework/Practice Logs Accepted up to 1 day late, 15-point deduction per day
Grade will become and remain a zero (0) after 1 day. 

C. Missed Work Policy:

Students who miss classwork or tests due to illness or suspension have the opportunity to make up the work. Students will request make-up work through the teacher. Students have five school days to make up any work that was missed regardless of the reason for absence. Extended illness will be handled on an individual basis with the student’s illness and workload in mind. 

D. Academic Integrity Violation (Cheating, Plagiarism): 

First Offense 

○ Parent notification

○ Grade of “0” on the assignment or assessment 

○ Referral entered into IMS 

○ Home base HS notified 

Second Offense 

○ Same as the first offense, and the student is removed from the FAC at the end of the semester.

E. Classroom Rules and Expectations: 

Please be on time and ready to work at each class. Scheduling other activities during class time is NOT acceptable. All students must come to every class with their instrument and music. 

Students are expected to purchase the necessary books recommended by the instructor. Music must be photocopied and in the 3-ring binder at the next class after it has been assigned. 

Listening: It is extremely important that you listen to jazz recordings (from the 1940s through 1960s) for 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week. Students will be required to maintain an accurate listening journal and turn in weekly.

Respect for your colleagues and instructors is expected at all times. A judgment-free zone is vital to growing as a musician. Please be supportive of each other!

As with any arts class emphasizing skill acquisition, regular attendance is vital. If you are sick, please contact me as soon as possible (24-hour notice is preferable).

Student attendance at FAC concerts and other live events are strongly encouraged, as well as cultural events in the area. Students must attend at least 2 recitals by other FAC jazz ensembles per year. Announcements will be made about recommended performances and events. Supporting your fellow musicians will only make you a stronger musician. It will expand your musical palate and strengthen the music department as a whole. 

F. Assessment Information and Grading Scale: 

90 - 100 = A: Excellent
80 - 89 = B: Above Average
70- 79 = C: Average
60 - 69 = D: Below Average
0 - 59 = F: Failed to demonstrate minimum level of mastery 

Student performance is graded using the mandated South Carolina state grading scale. Specific aspects of student progress that are subject to evaluation include...

Report card grade calculation:

Minor 40% of Grade: Quizzes, Practice Logs, Homework, Class Participation, Weekly Song Preparation

Major 60% of Grade: Recital Attendance (2), Tests/Major Projects (10), Final Exams (2)

Final course grade = 1st semester (50%) + 2nd semester (50%).

Plan for Routine Communication with Parents 

Parents are contacted promptly in the event of academic or disciplinary problems. A log of parent phone calls and emails is maintained in Mr. Davidian’s office.