Vocal Improvisation in R&B and Other Contemporary Idioms
Level three (out of four levels) of the Voice Department's recommended structured learning path for improvisation. Rhythmic, melodic and harmonic considerations of vocal improvisation will be reviewed including syllable articulation pentatonic patterns, phrasing, and motivic development as applied to R&B and pop music. Midterm and final exams require student to demonstrate R&B phrasing in improvisation and recognize recorded music examples of improvisation in the R&B/pop idioms.