The Secret to Improvising in Clave
In this course, students will learn to perform effectively with the Cuban clave. Through analyzing examples from the repertoire, performing together as an ensemble, and learning to dance each clave-based style, students will internalize the essence of clave phrasing. The co-teaching format of this course allows instructors to model professional performance practice and provide additional inspiration. Short weekly assignments provide the opportunity to assimilate the week’s rhythms through composing and performing musical vignettes. Students will interact with the clave in all its forms, with half of the semester dedicated to duple meters and the other half to triple meters. Standard Latin jazz repertoire provides the vehicle for incorporating the new rhythmic skills. Students are assessed, in equal parts, in four areas: the weekly assignments, transcribing and performing a solo, composing and performing a solo for the midterm project, and composing and performing a solo for the final project.