Jazz history is American history – the study of culture, politics, and economics of the 20th century. Its characters are the geniuses, virtuosos, outcasts, pioneers, eccentrics, and revolutionaries of American history. Post-Civil War America presented tremendous division within the country, but this landscape gave rise to a form of music often referred to as America’s only true art form. Using lecture, PowerPoint, video and audio examples, and live at-the-piano demonstrations, this course will examine the jazz composition styles of some of the most well-known jazz composers, as well as the music of two of the most influential musicians of all-time.
Recommended Reading: Jazz: Essential Listening (2nd Edition), Scott Deveaux, Gary Giddins
Paul Buono is a member of the music faculty at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University, and Assumption University where he is the director of the jazz ensemble. Paul holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in jazz performance as well as a law degree. He has toured internationally as a pianist and musical director for various ensembles.
