John Isley

Undergraduate Discipline

Music

Undergraduate Courses 2025-2026

Music

Advanced Theory: Jazz Arranging and Orchestration

Advanced, Component—Fall

MUSC 5139

Prerequisite: Theory II: Basic Tonal Theory and Composition (MUSC 5110) or equivalent

In this course, students will focus on the basics of arranging and orchestrating for small to medium-size ensembles, with an emphasis on jazz harmony and techniques. This course will introduce students to the techniques of arranging and orchestration for two-horn, three-horn, and four-horn jazz ensembles, as well as techniques for arranging and orchestration in other commercial settings. Students will study the classic repertoire of small to medium-size jazz. contemporary classical, and large modern jazz ensembles and create small ensemble arrangements in multiple styles. Materials for study will be drawn from throughout the history of jazz and contemporary/commercial arranging practices. An end-of-year concert of the students’ works will be presented by an ensemble consisting of members of the SLC faculty and other professionals from across the New York City area.

Faculty

Saxophone Ensemble

By Audition, Component—Fall

MUSC 5308

In this course, saxophone students will prepare material arranged specifically for saxophone ensemble, drawing from all genres of music: classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. The course will stress instrumental technique, as well as ensemble and performance rehearsal methods and approaches. There will be at least one public performance during the term.

Faculty

Previous Courses

Music

Advanced Theory: Jazz Arranging and Orchestration

Component—Spring

MUSC 5139

In this course, students will focus on the basics of arranging and orchestrating for small to medium sized ensembles. Offered in partnership with the Jazz Colloquium ensemble, students will write for the instrumentation of the ensemble and will have the opportunity to hear their arrangements performed by Jazz Colloquium. This course introduces students to the techniques of arranging and orchestration for two-horn, three-horn, and four-horn jazz ensembles. Students will study the classic repertoire of small to medium sized jazz groups, and create small ensemble arrangements in various styles. Materials for study will be drawn from throughout the history of jazz and contemporary/commercial arranging practices.

Faculty

Jazz Arranging and Orchestration

Component—Spring

Prerequisite: Jazz Theory or equivalent (Ability to read music and an understanding of fundamental jazz harmony, chord construction, and song structure)

In this course, students will focus on the basics of arranging and orchestrating for small- to medium-size ensembles. Offered in partnership with the Jazz Colloquium ensemble, students will write for the instrumentation of the ensemble and will have the opportunity to hear their arrangements performed by Jazz Colloquium. This course introduces students to the techniques of arranging and orchestration for two-horn, three-horn, and four-horn jazz ensembles. Students will study the classic repertoire of small- to medium-size jazz groups and create small ensemble arrangements in various styles. Materials for study will be drawn from throughout the history of jazz and contemporary/commercial arranging practices.

Faculty

Jazz Saxophone Ensemble

Component—Spring

Prerequisite: Open to saxophone students and by audition

In this course, students will prepare material arranged specifically for saxophone emsemble, drawing from all genres of music: classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. The course will stress instrumental technique, as well as ensemble and performance rehearsal methods and approaches. There will be at least one public performance per term.

Faculty

Saxophone Ensemble

Component

In this course, saxophone students will prepare material arranged specifically for saxophone emsemble, drawing from all genres of music: classical, jazz, and contemporary styles. The course will stress instrumental technique, as well as ensemble and performance rehearsal methods and approaches. There will be at least one public performance per term.

Faculty