The Blues: Understanding and Performing an American Art Form from Coursera

The blues is an American art form and the most important musical form in jazz. Although there are other formal paradigms of the blues, such as 8-bar or 16-bar, this course focuses on different incarnations of the 12-bar blues. There are considerable differences between Early Jazz blues, Swing blues, Bebop blues, Modal blues, and Post Bop blues. Each type has its unique harmonic syntax, melodic vocabulary and, associated with them, improvisational techniques. While other aspects of jazz performance practice have been constantly changing from one stylistic convention to another, the blues has never lost its identity and expressive power, and continues to exert a powerful influence on the harmonic and melodic syntax of jazz.

This seven-week course explores important aspects of the blues, blues improvisation, basic keyboard textures, jazz harmonic and melodic syntax. Topics include: (1) Blues Progressions; (2) Blues and Other Scales; (3) Improvisational Tools, and others. This course will also cover valuable theoretical concepts enabling the student to master the art of jazz improvisation. Each topic will be introduced from a practical perspective with the clearly stated goal: to improve one’s improvisational skills. Jazz improvisation is rooted in spontaneity, creativity, self-expression and, at the same time, self-control and order. A unique pedagogical approach based on a one-to-one musical interaction conducted with different instrumentalists will help to reinforce many of the concepts introduced in this course and realize its stated objectives.

What's inside

Syllabus

Blues Progressions – Theory and Practice

Lesson 1 focuses on foundational aspects of the blues, examining its history, innovation, and evolving harmonic structure. At the end of this lecture, students should have a firm understanding of the harmonic structure of the basic, generic, and minor blues forms, as well as a familiarity with the A A’ B phrase-structure of the blues.

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what should give you pause

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Covers the role of the blues in modern jazz

Includes guest musicians and play-along tracks for practical application

Offers a unique pedagogical approach to reinforce key concepts

In-depth exploration of advanced techniques like pentatonic scales and modal categories

Requires experience with jazz fundamentals and improvisation

May not be suitable for complete beginners in jazz

Reviews summary

Mastering blues improvisation in a jazz context

According to students, this course offers an incredibly well-structured deep dive into the theoretical and practical aspects of blues improvisation within jazz. Learners particularly praise the valuable examples with live musicians and play-along tracks, which are instrumental for applying concepts. Many highlight the clear explanations and systematic breakdown of complex topics like 'Bird' Blues, guide tones, and harmonic analysis. However, some learners with limited prior music theory or instrumental proficiency found the pace challenging and fast-moving, suggesting it's best suited for intermediate musicians. The course is widely considered a must-take for aspiring jazz musicians seeking to enhance their improvisational skills and understanding of the blues' evolving role in jazz.

Knowledgeable instructors provide clear and systematic teaching.

"The instructor's explanations are clear... The instructors at Eastman are top-notch."

"The instructor's passion for the subject is evident, and the structure of the course is logical."

"This course delivered far beyond my expectations. The detailed breakdown of different blues progressions and improvisational tools is superb."

Invaluable live musical examples and practice tracks.

"The examples with live musicians are invaluable for understanding how to apply concepts. The play-along tracks are a great practice tool."

"The live demonstrations are a huge plus. My only minor critique is that some of the earlier lectures could have more practical exercises."

"The practical aspects, especially the guide tone lines and motivic development, were game-changers for my playing."

Explores theoretical and practical blues improvisation.

"This course is incredibly well-structured, delving deep into the theoretical underpinnings of blues improvisation."

"The detailed breakdown of different blues progressions and improvisational tools is superb. The balance between theory and practical application is perfect."

"A solid introduction to blues improvisation. The instructor's explanations are clear, and the historical context is fascinating."

Best suited for musicians with existing theory knowledge.

"I found some of the theoretical parts a bit challenging without a strong music theory background..."

"The course has good content, but it moves very fast. For someone like me who's just starting to get serious about music theory, it felt a bit overwhelming at times."

"I was hoping for more beginner-friendly content. This course assumes a lot of prior knowledge in music theory and instrumental proficiency. I struggled to keep up."

"I would recommend this for people who already have a strong grasp of music theory and can play an instrument at an intermediate level."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Blues: Understanding and Performing an American Art Form with these activities:

Warm up with basic scales

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Refine your muscle memory to prepare for playing more complex forms of the Blues.

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Play a C scale in all 12 keys
Play a G scale in all 12 keys
Play a D scale in all 12 keys
Play a minor pentatonic scale in all 12 keys
Play a major pentatonic scale in all 12 keys

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete The Blues: Understanding and Performing an American Art Form will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Professional Jazz Musician

Professional Jazz Musicians perform jazz music in a variety of settings, including clubs, concert halls, and festivals. They may also teach jazz music or compose jazz compositions. This course may be useful to Professional Jazz Musicians because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in jazz music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and performing jazz music.

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Musician

Musicians perform music on a variety of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. They may play in orchestras, bands, or as soloists. This course may be useful to Musicians because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and performing music from a variety of genres.

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Musician Entrepreneur

Musician Entrepreneurs start and run their own music businesses. They may be involved in a variety of activities, such as managing musicians, booking gigs, or promoting music events. This course may be useful to Musician Entrepreneurs because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and performing music from a variety of genres.

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College Professor

College Professors teach courses in a variety of academic disciplines, including music. They may also conduct research and publish their findings in scholarly journals. This course may be useful to College Professors because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for teaching music at the college level.

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Composer

Composers create original music for a variety of purposes, including film, television, theater, and concert halls. They may also write songs for singers or bands. This course may be useful to Composers because it provides a strong foundation in music theory and harmony, as well as the principles of composition. The course also covers improvisation techniques, which can be valuable for Composers who want to learn how to create new and innovative music.

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Sound Engineer

Sound Engineers design, install, and maintain audio systems for a variety of applications, including live sound, recording studios, and broadcast. They may also work with musicians and producers to create and mix music. This course may be useful to Sound Engineers because it provides a strong foundation in music theory and harmony, as well as the principles of sound recording and mixing. The course also covers improvisation techniques, which can be valuable for Sound Engineers who want to learn how to create unique and innovative sounds.

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Music Director

Music Directors lead and conduct orchestras, choirs, and other musical ensembles. They are responsible for interpreting musical scores and leading musicians in performances. This course may be useful to Music Directors because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and conducting musical ensembles.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They may work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. This course may be useful to Music Therapists because it provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of the blues, which has been shown to have therapeutic benefits. The course also covers improvisation techniques, which can be valuable for Music Therapists who want to learn how to use music to help people express themselves.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers instruct students in the fundamentals of music, including theory, history, and performance. They may also teach specific instruments or genres of music. This course may be useful to Music Teachers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers improvisation techniques, which can be valuable for students who want to learn how to play jazz or other improvised music styles.

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Non-Profit Arts Administrator

Non-Profit Arts Administrators manage and operate non-profit arts organizations, such as theaters, museums, and music venues. They may be responsible for fundraising, marketing, and programming. This course may be useful to Non-Profit Arts Administrators because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and appreciating music from a variety of genres.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write articles, reviews, and features about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also interview musicians and attend concerts and festivals. This course may be useful to Music Journalists because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and analyzing music.

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Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also interview musicians and attend concerts and festivals. This course may be useful to Music Critics because it provides a deep understanding of the blues, one of the most important genres in American music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and analyzing music.

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Music Arranger

Music Arrangers take musical compositions and create arrangements that can be performed by different ensembles. They must have a strong understanding of music theory and harmony, as well as the different instruments in an ensemble. This course may be useful to Music Arrangers because it provides a deep dive into the harmonic structure of the blues, as well as techniques for improvising over blues progressions.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians are responsible for managing and organizing music collections in libraries. They may also assist patrons with research and reference questions. This course may be useful to Music Librarians because it provides a strong foundation in the history and theory of the blues, which is an important genre in many types of music. The course also covers music theory and harmony, which are essential for understanding and organizing music collections.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording, mixing, and mastering of music. They work with musicians, singers, and engineers to create a polished and professional-sounding product. This course may be useful to Music Producers because it provides a strong foundation in the theory and practice of the blues, which is an essential genre in many types of music.

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