Jazz Theory I & II
Tuesday Evenings with Dr. Tyrone Jackson
What You'll Work On
Theory I - Intro to Jazz Theory and Improv
Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:15:
Harmony, melody, rhythm and song form — the vocabulary behind what you already hear and play. Applies straight to improvising, arranging and ensemble work.
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Chord construction, extensions and voicings
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Scale and chord relationships, and how to hear them
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Song form: blues, rhythm changes, the standard 32-bar shapes
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Reading and interpreting lead sheets
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Putting all of it to work when you improvise
Theory II - Advanced Jazz Harmony
Coming in 2027 :
The advanced jazz theory course examines intricate harmonic devices, sophisticated chord-scale relationships, and non-diatonic reharmonization techniques utilized in modern jazz.
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Block chords/drop 2/Barry Harris diminished systems
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Melodic minor harmony, altered, dominants, upper structure triads
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Improvisational devices: triad pairs, chord-scale relationships, transcription analysis
Who's It For
Musicians who can play but have never formally studied jazz harmony. High-school age through adult. You don't need to read fluently to start, but you should be comfortable finding notes on your instrument. At the completion of the course, each student will receive a Jazz Academy T-shirt, folder, and a special gift.
If you have questions or need assistance
with tuition, please contact Karen Greene
at 770-490-8288
About Dr. Tyrone Jackson
Born in New Orleans, Tyrone Jackson is a globally recognized jazz pianist and composer who blends jazz, funk, and Afro-Caribbean influences into his playing and theatrical score work. A former student of legends like Ellis Marsalis, he has released four albums, shared the stage with icon artists ranging from Wynton Marsalis to Marcus Miller, and toured internationally as both a leader and sideman. Currently, Jackson is a Senior Lecturer of Jazz Piano at Kennesaw State University, a doctoral candidate at Georgia State University, and an active educator for several regional youth music programs.
